(Ret) CSM Oden Reed Brooks Jr.

Reed attended Fork Union Military Academy in Fork Union, Virginia, and graduated from San Jacinto High School in Houston, Texas. Here he excelled in track and football, becoming the captain of the football team.

Reed decided against playing college football; even though, he had received several letters of intent. He chose to follow in his family’s footsteps of serving his country. He later graduated from Wharton County Junior College in Wharton, Texas, and went on to attend the University of Houston-Central where he met his future wife, Mary E. Howell. They married on August 26, 1955, and were married 67 years when Mary passed in 2022.

Reed attended training camp with the US Navy Organized Submarine Division. After Naval Training Camp, he enlisted in the US Army Reserves in December 1951 and served with the 45th Infantry in Korea. After receiving an Honorable Discharge, he continued to serve active duty in the Texas Army National Guard (TXANG) for more than 20 years until his Honorable Discharge due to a permanent physical disability. During his time with the TXANG, he served in the 36th Airborne Brigade and achieved his Master Parachutist Badge. Reed received many awards and decorations, but he was most proud of his Combat Infantryman and Master Parachutist Badges.

Later he became a founding member of the Houston Medical Brigade of the Texas State Guard, where he served as its first Command Sergeant Major. Upon his discharge he was assigned to the Texas State Honorary Retired Reserves.

Reed’s career spanned more than 37 years in Distribution Engineering for Houston Lighting and Power Company. His passion was for family, animals, adventure, volunteering, and serving others. Reed's hobbies included being with his family and friends, entertaining at his home (especially around the swimming pool), reading about, or watching military documentaries and football, eating Tex-Mex food, enjoying the great outdoors through camping, fishing, hiking, backpacking, scuba diving, and photo safaris. He enjoyed photographing animals and would spend numerous hours creating slideshows with music. His love of wildlife and protecting wild spaces led to him serving as a Docent for the Houston Zoological Gardens for many years.

He was a member of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church and a supporter of their Second Family Care Team Ministry. Reed was also a football coach for the Optimist Club, an amateur ham radio operator, a PADI Divemaster, a NAUI Specialty Diver, a member of the Houston Underwater Club, a licensed handgun carrier, and a lifetime member of the National Guard Association of Texas and the NRA.

His love for all animals, particularly dogs, was reflected by his membership in the WHWTCSET, the WHWTCA, the American Working Terrier Association, the HOT Dog Club, Caring Critters Animal-Assisted Therapy, the Tejas Earthdog Club, and the Westie Rescue of Houston. He and Mary competed in many dog events and won numerous awards with their dogs over the years.

He is survived by his daughters, Deborah Marie Brooks, Karen Brooks Lewis, Mary Kathryn Brooks-Owen and husband David. His sister, Pamela Brooks Morton and husband Charles, and brother, Edwin Jay Brooks and wife Renee. Grandchildren William Lewis III, Kelly Lewis and Travis Owen and wife, Heidi. Great Grandchildren Devin Lewis, Whitney Lewis, Rihana Lewis, Lexi Lewis and Emma Lewis, numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends who are like family.

His life reflected the Army’s values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless-service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. CSM Oden Reed Brooks, Jr. had the heart of a servant, and he proudly served his country, his state, and his family with enduring love.

A visitation for Reed will be held Friday, April 5, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038, followed by a funeral service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Serving as pallbearers are Jay Brooks – Brother, Devin Lewis – Great Grandson , William Lewis – Grandson, David Owen – Son-in-Law, Travis Owen – Grandson and Roger Rhoderick – Nephew.