Charles Albert Brooker

Born July 15, 1932 at the family farm to Walter and Caroline Brooker in Marietta, Ohio. One of nine children, Charles has been a devout lifelong catholic lovingly serving his church, community, and family.

Charles graduated St. Mary's Catholic High School in Marietta, Ohio in 1950. He then joined the United States Navy proudly serving aboard the USS Ruchamkin (APD-89). On November 14, 1952 while conducting training exercises off the Virginia Capes the Ruchamkin was struck by a merchant ship causing many casualties and trapping numerous crew members including Charles.

Charles completed his tour in 1955 returning to civilian life in Lakewood, CA. It is here that he met his wife of 58 years Barbara Brooker. After marrying in 1960 the couple relocated to Perris, CA. to fulfill their dreams of starting a family and following their love of raising Arabian Horses. Charles built the ranch from the ground up and the two developed an extremely successful Arabian horse ranch showcased by their purebred stallion Gazarr . The breeding program produced over 350 foals including numerous champions and National Champion wins throughout the years.

He joined the RCAHA (Arabian) club where he served as president, convention delegate, and treasurer as well as the Region 1 treasurer. Became a licensed AHSA steward (rule keeper) a job that he loved. A major highlight was working at the first West Coast Olympic hunter-jumper field trials.

Charles held a variety of jobs early in life including machinist, repossessing cars, and as a dance instructor for Arthur Murray studios. In 1999, Charles retired from the Boeing Company after 40 years in the aerospace industry. Charles professional career included work on such programs as GPS systems, the Space Shuttle, and military satellites.

The Brooker Family have been members of St. James Catholic Church in Perris for 53 years. Charles loved and has been highly devoted to the church serving as a lector and in various ministries. Charles served on the original church building and finance committees.

Charles loved his family, horses, dogs, gardening, canning, the beauty of the outdoors, and deep sea fishing. He loved people, conversing regularly with friends and strangers alike and everyone was his friend

Charles is survived by wife Barbara, daughter Alisa Garrett of Temecula, and sons David Brooker of Scottsdale, and Steven Brooker of San Jacinto as well as eight grandchildren and numerous great grand children.

Donations may be made in his name to the St. James building fund.

The family will receive friends on Monday, March 5, 2018 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm, with a rosary at 5:45pm, at Miller-Jones Mortuary, 1835 N. Perris Blvd. Perris, CA 92571. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at 11:00am at St. James Catholic Church, 269 W. 3rd St. Perris, CA 92570. Followed by a committal service held at 1:00pm on Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd. Riverside, CA 92518.

If ordering floral arrangements, please have them delivered the morning of Monday, March 5, 2018, prior to the rosary.