He was born May 1, 1954, in Peoria, IL., to Wendell Brooks and Nancy (Kathy) Kathleen Elkins.
Surviving are his two children: Michael (Tara) Brooks of Washington, IL., and Sara Jo (Adam) Medina of Shelbyville, TN.; Four grandchildren: Micah Brooks, Maysen Brooks, Adam Medina Jr., and Daniel J. Medina; Two siblings: Richard (Deanna) Brooks of East Peoria, IL., and Darlene (Mike) Bray of Hanna City, IL.; Two nephews: Randy (Stefanie) Brooks of Indianapolis, IN., and Nathan (Aarynn) Brooks of Peoria Heights, IL.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents: Kathy (Bernard) Gramm and Wendell Brooks.
Tom worked for the City of Peoria for 18.5 Years in street maintenance. He was set to retire at the end of March. Prior to working for the City of Peoria, he was mechanic at Jim McComb Chevrolet, G&K and Rohn Manufacturing.
He was also an active member in the boating community for 20 plus years. He was well known for his annual Labor Day turkey fries on the beach and his black and red Baja cruising up and down the Illinois River. He enjoyed participating in the poker runs on the river and supporting the local boat clubs at their annual events like the New Year’s Day Polar Plunge. He could always be found on the 4th of July, front and center, in the middle of the river, on his boat.
In his younger years, he enjoyed dirt track racing, riding motorcycles, as well as, participating in local amateur body building competitions. As his kids got older, he would take them snowmobiling and ride 4-wheelers through the woods.
While, on the outside, he came off as quiet and tough; those who knew him would call him kind and soft-hearted. He would drop everything in an instant if his children, family or friends needed help. He was an exceptional mechanic who enjoyed fishing and traveling to warm beaches when he could.
Tom was a loving father, grandfather, son, brother and uncle. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all that knew him.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, February 17, 2023, at East Peoria Boat Club at 707 Collins Ln, East Peoria, IL. from 6-8pm.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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