John H Brooks

“Best Daddy ever.” “Like a big brother to me.” “The fun uncle.” “Loving husband.”  “Great sense of humor.” “A joy to work with.” “A really nice guy.” “A wonderful boss and mentor.” “A kind and gentle soul.” “A lot of fun for a tall guy.” “Blessed by his friendship.” “One of the great ones.”

John Howell Brooks, a larger-than-life figure who touched countless lives, passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 4, 2024, at the age of 78. Born on February 11, 1946, in Hempstead, Texas, John was a true inspiration to all who knew him.

A gifted athlete and scholar, John graduated from Hempstead High School in 1964, where he was honored as "Mr. Hempstead High School." He excelled in basketball, track, golf, and football, earning numerous accolades. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin (Hook-’em Horns!) with a Bachelor of Arts degree, John answered the call of duty and spent the next two years in the U.S. Army.

He proudly served our country in the U.S. Government for the next 36 years with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.  When work took him to Cleveland, Ohio in the late ‘70’s John hit the jackpot when he met Carol Durr…eventually his first, only and current wife.  Two weeks passed after Carol gave him her phone number, so she took matters into her own hands and called him herself.  The rest is history – 43 years of companionship, teamwork, ups and downs but always an everlasting bond that will hold them together for eternity.

The next 11 years John worked at the Bureau headquarters in Washington D.C. living with Carol and their two adoring children Anne and David in Northern Virginia where he was active in the church and the Lions Club. In 1994 the family moved to Dallas, Texas where John served as Director of Industry Operations until he retired in 2008.

He was an avid woodworker and spent many hours with his devoted woodworking friends and their mission to support charities through the sale of their beautiful trays, hour glasses and trivets. Of course, he was always willing to share his ideas on design and construction, especially when together they built forty lanterns to decorate his daughter’s wedding.

John’s unwavering faith in Christ and his servant’s heart were the cornerstones of his life. A devoted member of Christ Church in Plano since 1994, he embraced his unique calling as a clergy spouse, supporting his wife Carol in her ministry as Deacon and Pastoral Care Minister. His commitment to Christ was evident in every aspect of his life, from his leadership in small group ministries to his joyful participation in men’s groups and bible studies and in his many mission trips to Guatemala. John co-led the Clergy Spouse ministry, where his natural gift for encouragement and infectious humor touched many lives. Those who knew John will remember him for his deep faith, his willingness to serve others, and his gift for bringing light and laughter to those around him.

John loved to play golf, he enjoyed traveling, walking his beloved dogs and making all those around him laugh, feel heard, safe, and loved. He was a gentle giant with a passion for life. The world is a little less bright without him.

“Peace and quiet and a few kind words.”

John is survived by his loving wife Carol Brooks; children David Brooks and Anne Brooks Bryant and her husband Jeff; nephews Charlie Whitson and his wife Linda, Clayton Traylor and his wife Pam; nieces Holly Traylor and Laura Forsythe and her husband Brad; Cousin Carlos Malaga and his wife Carmen.  He was preceded in death by his parents Alton Howell and Julia Nella (Somerford) Brooks and sisters Carolyn Whitson and Marinell Traylor.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Allen Family Funeral Options with The Reverend Canon David H. Roseberry and The Reverend Dr. Jed Roseberry will officiate. If you wish to join the service via webcast, please visit: https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/106432

A reception will follow the service.

If desired, donations may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at: https://www.lls.org/ or to the Restoration Anglican Church of Richardson, Texas at: https://www.restorationanglican.church/