Thomas (Tom) Malcom Brooks died on Friday morning, March 16, at his home in Victoria. Born in San Antonio on April 7, 1929, he was three weeks shy of celebrating his 89th birthday. He was the beloved husband of Dickie “Sue” Brooks, and the world’s best — so proclaimed by his family — dad, grandfather and great-grandfather.
In addition to his wife, Sue, his immediate family includes Susan Brooks Fox of Houston, Keleigh Brooks-Muska of Baytown,TX, Matt Brooks (Robyn) of Schulenburg,TX. His grandchildren: Kate Fox (Michael Smith), Sarah Palmer (Dan), Zachary Muska (Amanda), Sean Brooks (Michelle), Cody Brooks (Abby), and Madison Brooks. His great- grandchildren: Chandler Brooks, Presley Muska, and Ayden Palmer.
Rhonda Templin, a life friend, also deemed family.
Tom and his wife, Sue, were married for 62 1/2 years. They met in Victoria, when he was a Texas highway patrolman, at the former Moody Grill, owned by Sue’s parents, Doran and Clara Cornelius. He would saunter into the cafe a few mornings each week and call out “hey red,” whenever he spotted her. The rest, as they say, is history. Tom adored his wife, Sue, and took pleasure in inviting mariachis to serenade her with love songs.
Prior to moving to Victoria, he served in the U.S. Army/Air Force between 1946 and 1949. Tom was stationed in Japan for two of those years. He flew the first three air combat missions in Korea as well, losing his best friend in the first run. During his service, he also was named light heavyweight boxing champ for all four military divisions in 1948.
Tom joined Union Carbide in 1955, first as a shift worker and then advanced to become the Seadrift (TX) plant’s safety supervisor. After retiring, he and Sue enjoyed traveling and babysitting the grandchildren.
An avid golfer for many years, Tom enjoyed viewing and attending sports events, reading about various historical accounts and figures, watching old westerns, and listening to favorite musical artists Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli. He also a got a kick out of doling out good-natured jabs to friends to see if he could get them to laugh. Reserved by nature, he was a good listener and mentor to all of his children and grandchildren. He took special delight in hearing about their life adventures. He would remind them,“The difference between the possible and impossible is the will of man.”
Special appreciation to Dr. and Mrs. Armando Diaz, MD, Hospice of South Texas, Pastor Larry Green of God’s Church of Restoration, Pastor Dan Fultz of Grace Presbyterian Church, home aid Janie Lopez, and Comfort Keepers’ Cheryl Culley and Ray Morales.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Hospice of South Texas, 605 E. Locust Ave., Victoria, TX 77901; Grace Presbyterian Church, 3604 N. Ben Jordan St., Victoria, TX 77901; God’s Church of Restoration, 402 E. North St. Victoria, TX 77901.
A memorial service will be held Monday, March 19, 2018 at 1 pm at Rosewood Funeral Chapels with Rev. Dan Fultz and Pastor Larry Green officiating.
Visit www.rosewoodchapel.com for details.
