Clarence "Marty" Martin Brooks

Clarence "Marty" Martin Brooks, age 89, of Alabaster, Alabama went home to be with the Lord Jesus on Monday, June 9, 2025. Marty was born in Gastonia, North Carolina, the youngest of five children of Clarence Edward Brooks and Mary Odessa Merrill Brooks. Marty graduated from Gastonia High School then enlisted in the United States Army. He graduated from Carson-Newman College with a Bachelor of Science degree and then Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas. He then married the illustrious Anna Beth Reeves on December 27, 1964, in her hometown of Moorhead, Mississippi. Throughout his life, Marty had a heart for service, retiring as Colonel and Chaplain (Airborne) for the US Army, and pastoring at numerous churches across the country. He earned his Doctorate of Education (EDD) at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and held the position of Director of Counseling Services and Chairman of the Psychology Department at Cumberland College in Williamsburg, Kentucky.

Even with all of these many responsibilities, he was first and foremost a servant of the Lord and faithful family man. Marty was likeable, well respected and unexpectedly humorous. He was active in his spare time, whether playing handball, running or fishing. He enjoyed woodworking, Dallas Cowboys, SEC football, and UK basketball. He was committed to spending time with his grandchildren weekly to whom he was affectionately known as “Danny.”

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Betty Brockman and Gwen Rose; and his brothers, Max Brooks and Ray Brooks. He is survived by his wife of 60 ½ years, Anna Beth Brooks; daughters, Bethani Carnes (Rob) of Alabaster, AL and Darissa Brooks of Newport Beach, California; grandchildren, Zach Carnes (Mattie) and Katie Carnes; great-granddaughters, Annie Carnes and Hallie Carnes; sister-in-law, Cobie Brooks; numerous nieces and nephews; and his church family, particularly the Open Door Sunday School class at First Baptist Church of Alabaster.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Kwong, Enhabit Hospice and the 4th floor staff at Shelby Baptist Medical Center for their skillful and compassionate care.

A celebration of Marty’s life will be held on Monday, June 16, 2025 at 12:30 PM at First Baptist Church of Alabaster, 903 3rd Ave NW, Alabaster, AL 35007, with visitation to begin at 11:30 AM. A committal service will occur Monday, June 16, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Alabama National Cemetery, 3133 Highway 119, Montevallo, AL 35115. Bro. Mike Byars will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial donations be directed to Tunnel to Towers Foundation at todaysveterans.org or call 1-888-980-8387(VETS).