Reuben M. Brooks Jr.

On November 20, 2018, Reuben Monroe Brooks Jr. left his earthly home to be with his Lord. His faith was rooted in his trust in Jesus as a young child throughout his adult life. Reuben was born on October 1, 1932 in Hagerman, TX to Reuben Monroe Brooks, Sr. and Mary Frances Brown. His father and mother were a heavy influence on his life teaching him the value of hard work, self-respect, kindness for others, and to enjoy life to the fullest. Life to Reuben was a journey and not a destination.

He graduated Whitesboro High School in 1950. He attended the University of Texas at Arlington for two years and was a member of the ROTC. He graduated from Texas Technological College with a Bachelors in Agriculture in 1954. Reuben proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1955 – 1957 as a 1st Lieutenant in Field Artillery.

He married Mary Frances Perry on October 2, 1954 in Sadler, TX. Mary was the highlight of his life and he often referred to her as his “Special One”. They modeled a deep love and friendship for 64 years. Their testament to love and affection for each other have been an endearing constant for all who know them well.

Reuben had a successful career of 36 years with State Farm Insurance. He was recognized as the rookie salesperson of the year in 1962 spanning across the Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico regions. He earned his Chartered Life Underwriters designation in 1969 and his Chartered Financial Consultant designation in 1983. He built an example of leadership that is still an inspiration to others in his profession. Reuben enjoyed numerous aspects of his life. He was involved in the Northwest Hills Little League baseball organization and served as president of the Northwest Hills Pony and Colt Leagues in 1980. He and Mary enjoyed travelling around the globe. He was an avid golfer and hunter. His ranching and land management skills were impeccable. A skill he learned from his father.

Reuben’s greatest passion was serving his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and affecting others for positive change. He led the music in an adult worship class at Hyde Park Baptist Church for 39 years. He mixed humor, everyday wisdom for life, and an infectious witness for Jesus. He encouraged others to use their talents to glorify Jesus. He served as deacon and on multiple church committees, including chairman of the deacons in 1989. His favorite scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”

He was preceded in death by his parents, Reuben Monroe Brooks and Mary Frances Brooks; sister, Margarett Ayers and grandson, Cale Minnick.

Reuben is survived by his wife Mary of Austin, TX, his daughter Donna Bennett and her husband David of Saratoga Springs, NY, his son Brent Brooks and his wife Sally of Huntersville, NC. His grandchildren include Meleah Perry and her husband Ben, Dane Minnick and his wife Katie, Cameron Minnick, Jonathan Brooks, Nathanael Brooks, Caleb Brooks, David Bennett, Kate Bennett, Isabella Bennett, Olivia Samuelson, and Owen Samuelson. His great grandchildren include Jackson Mills, Hannah Mills, Everly Minnick, Maya Perry, and Piper Perry. He also has numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers include Chester Davis, Sonny Everett, Mark Fenlaw, Buck Hendrix, Wes Hendrix, Gary Jones Sr., Bob Liverman, and Dick VanArsdale.

Visitation will be held at Cook-Walden funeral home at 6100 N. Lamar, Austin, TX on Monday, November 26th from 6:00 – 8:00pm. A memorial service will be held in his honor at Hyde Park Baptist Church at 3901 Speedway, Austin, TX on Tuesday, November 27th at 1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial can be given in his name at Hyde Park Baptist Church at hpbc.org, Power for Parkinson’s at powerforparkinsons.org, or Hospice Austin at HospiceAustin.org.