Earl Eugene Brooks

Earl Brooks was born in Lewistown, Illinois and was predeceased by his parents, Thomas & Clara Brooks, his sister Betty Brooks, his sister Dixie Hewitt, his sister Mable Brooks, his brother Ralph Brooks, his sister Rosella Riley and his brother Tom Brooks.

After being removed by the state from his family and being placed in an orphanage along with his sister Rosella and his younger brother Thomas, he and his sister Rosella were taken in by Mr & Mrs Kibler as foster children and grew up in Newton, IL. The Kibler’s had a large farm with many animals. Earl’s responsibilities included milking cows, feeding and caring for the draft horses, and helping in the garden and with harvesting crops. Upon graduation from high school he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served most of his 4 years aboard the USS Smalley D-565 sailing all over the world. 

After an honorable discharge, he met Carol Ritzman at a young singles event at Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria, IL. They were soon married on August 13, 1955 and settled in central Illinois. Earl had many various occupations during his lifetime; salesman for a barber and beauty supply company in Peoria, IL, a Western Auto store owner in Minonk, IL and a supervisor of industry in a maximum security prison in Pontiac, IL. After retirement from the state, he drove a school bus for an elementary school. In 1998 they moved to NC and he served at a local soup kitchen in Mooresville, NC and volunteered for Samaritans Purse in Charlotte, NC. In 2016 they made their final move to VA to enjoy yet another great adventure, living with their daughter and son-in-law.

Earl was predeceased by his wife, Carol, on December 9, 2022. They have 2 children, Karen Benet (Jon) and Paul Brooks (Julie).

Earl & Carol enjoyed having family celebrations with their six grandchildren: Danny Benet (Michelle) of NC, Jennifer Mulch (Luke) of CO, Stephanie Shipman (Randy) of IL, Molly Brooks (Quinn Krug) of CO, Amanda Coleman (Dakota) of LA and Natalie Obenchain (Justin) of VA.

They were blessed with 15 great-grandchildren. They never imagined they would have so many offspring! From oldest to youngest they are: Rendan, Lydia, Kirsten, Charlotte, Solomon, Caden, Emma, Henry, Sloane, Olivia, Nora, Victoria, Sadie, William and Althea.

On May 25, 2023 Earl trusted Jesus Christ as his Savior & Lord of his life!

Today we are celebrating the wonderful life of Earl Brooks and the legacy he and Carol left behind.

Monetary donations may be made in memory of Earl Eugene Brooks to Samaritan Purse.