Charles Stephen “Steve” Brooks, M.D., of Columbia, MO passed away Saturday, December 15, 2018. Friends will be received 10:00-11:00 am Saturday, January 5, 2019 at the Missouri United Methodist Church where a memorial service will follow at 11:00 am with the Reverend Kelly Jackson Brooks officiating. Full Military Honors will follow in the church courtyard.
Steve was born on October 24, 1942 in Springfield, Missouri the son of Charles Albert Brooks and Wilma (Patton) Brooks. On October 9, 1993 in Columbia he was united in marriage to Donna (Renne) Brooks who survives at their home.
Steve earned Bachelor’s degrees in biology and mathematics from Southwest Missouri State. He was awarded his medical degree from the University of Missouri Medical School in 1968. Steve enlisted in the United States Navy in December, 1971 where he was a flight surgeon and served in Pensacola, FL and the island of Bermuda. He returned to the states and completed his Fellowship in Nephrology in Lexington, Kentucky. He relocated to Columbia where he served on the staff of the University of Missouri Medical School as Program Director for the Department of Internal Medicine. He also served as the Assistant Chief of Medicine at the Harry S. Truman Veterans’ Hospital. He was awarded Professor Emeritus by the University of Missouri. He was a Fellow in the American College of Physicians. Steve retired in 2012. He was a mentor to medical students, residents and all staff with whom he worked.
Steve enjoyed life. He loved the St. Louis Cardinals. He had many hobbies including fly fishing on the White River and Henry’s Fork River, photography, camping, swimming, biking and wood working. He enjoyed boating and he fully restored his boat, a vintage Boston Whaler. He enjoyed Mizzou football and its traditions of tailgating with family and friends. He and his wife Donna enjoyed cooking at home and entertaining their friends. Steve was proud of his children and all they have accomplished in their lives.
Steve will be remembered by many for the compassion and kindness he shared with his wife, patients, sons and nephews.
Steve is survived by his wife Donna; three sons: Douglas Brooks of Columbia; Jeffrey (Kelly) Brooks of Albuquerque, NM; Patrick (Emily) Brooks of San Antonio, TX; three nephews: Brian, Allen and Eric Johanning; a mother in law: Eloise Renne and five grandchildren: Grace; Eleanor; William; Henry and Christine. Steve was preceded in death by his parents: Charles and Wilma Brooks and a father in law: Virgil Renne.
In lieu of flowers you may honor Steve’s life by making a lasting contribution to the Charles Stephen Brooks, M.D. Medical Scholarship at the University of Missouri, School of Medicine.