Gannon Landry Brookins

Gannon Landry Brookins was born on September 16, 2004, in Jackson, Mississippi, during Hurricane Ivan. From the very beginning, Gannon’s life was marked by a strength and uniqueness that would continue to define him throughout his too-short life.

Gannon grew up in Keller, Texas, as the middle of three sons, with his older brother, Tag, and younger brother, Nash. Like many middle children, Gannon sometimes struggled to understand where he fit in this world and why. But through those struggles, he developed something remarkable—a deep understanding of people and an ability to see things from perspectives that others might not have had the patience to understand.

Gannon loved his brothers deeply. He was the glue, and still is. He helped them, encouraged them, guided them, and often helped them find their way. Gannon was a mentor and a leader, not because he needed a title, but because people naturally looked to him. He had a way of helping others feel understood.

Gannon was a friend to all who met him. He loved fiercely and cared deeply for the people in his life. If someone was in need, Gannon tried to help. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and his ability to make people laugh was one of the many gifts he gave to those around him.

Gannon graduated from Timber Creek High School in Keller, Texas, and later earned his Associate Degree from Tarrant County College. He was accepted to several universities, including Baylor, Arkansas, Colorado, and the University of Texas at Austin.

Gannon first found himself drawn to philosophy. He was interested in the big questions—the way people think, why we think the way we do, and what makes us who we are. But then he discovered neuroscience, and something clicked. After researching it and giving it careful thought, Gannon knew he had found what he wanted to pursue.

He chose the University of Texas at Austin to study Neuroscience. It was another example of how Gannon approached life: he explored his interests, asked questions, did his research, and when he found something that truly captured his attention, he pursued it with purpose.

Gannon was intelligent, curious, and incredibly meticulous. When something caught his attention, he didn’t just develop a passing interest—he researched it. He wanted to understand the why, the how, the history, the details, and all the things in between.

This even applied to the things he chose to buy. Gannon believed in quality over quantity and could tell you exactly why. He might research something down to the fiber content, where it was made, how it was made, and what made it different. What might have been a simple decision for someone else could turn into a full research project for Gannon. And, of course, he was usually right—at least according to Gannon.

But for all of his meticulous attention to detail, Gannon also knew how to have fun. He was never afraid to be a little crazy, try something different, or simply surprise everyone. He might bleach his hair just because he wanted to, or grow it out long enough to donate it. He grew his hair out and donated it twice. TWICE! That was Gannon—thoughtful and particular one minute, and completely willing to do something unexpected the next.

Gannon also loved music. He played the saxophone, with the baritone saxophone being his favorite. Music was another way he expressed himself and another part of the many layers that made him who he was.

He had a natural eye for textures and colors and appreciated things that were made well and had a story behind them. Whether he was researching neuroscience, studying French and exploring his Louisiana and Texas roots, playing his baritone saxophone, researching something that had caught his attention, or learning about something completely random, Gannon wanted to know everything about it.

And if you happened to ask him about it, be prepared—you were probably about to get the full research report. There might be a quiz!

He most recently worked at The Keller Pointe, and later at Fanatics, located at the stadium on the University of Texas at Austin campus. He worked at Vinyard Vines while in high school and during his studies at Tarrant County College. Wherever Gannon was, he had a way of making connections and leaving an impression on the people around him.

Gannon loved the family dog, Georgia Roux. She is a special part of our family, and they were the best buds.

Most importantly, Gannon loved Jesus. His faith was an important part of who he was, and Romans 8:38–39 held a special meaning for him—the reminder that nothing can separate us from the love of God.

Gannon also had a very strong opinion about vegetables. He did not like them. He was the carbohydrate kid.

And as his family thinks about him in Heaven, we can’t help but wonder: Gannon, do they make you eat broccoli up there? We hope not.

Gannon is survived by his mother, Holly Brookins; his father, David Brookins; his stepmother, Kimberly Brookins; his brothers, Tag Brookins and Nash Brookins; his grandparents, Betsy and Doug Pyle; his Aunt Dee Dee and Uncle Bingo; and his cousins Ashley Bingham, Allison Bingham, Greg Hayward, Katie Hayward, and Savana Young.

Gannon was preceded in death by his Pawpaw Brookins, Roy; Nana Brookins, Wanda; his Pappy Boudreaux, Robert; his Grampy Dabney, Raymond; and his cousin and friend, Emi Hayward.

Gannon, we miss you more than words can ever express. We find comfort knowing you are in Heaven with Jesus, reunited with the fur babies who were such a special part of our family—Toast, Cupcake, Chloe, Amanda, Lizzie B, and, of course, Ellie Bess.

And back here at home, Georgia & Tippy miss you, they love you too.

You were a brother, a son, a friend, a mentor, a helper, and a leader. You loved fiercely, gave the best hugs, made people laugh, and had a way of making people feel understood.

You were the glue, and you always will be.

The love you gave and the memories you left behind will stay with us forever.

You were loved fiercely.

Keep your face in the sunshine, Gannon.

We love you.