His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.
Bruce was born to the late Earl and Beulah Brooks in Sturgis, SD, on January 10, 1932. He was raised by a God-fearing mother, who set the foundation of his faith. He graduated from Manual High and Vocational School in 1952. Later he completed vocational classes and a Bell and Howell learn-at-home program in electronics, obtaining specialized skills and built his own color TV. Bruce married Audrey Still November 6, 1953, and lived in the Kansas City North. He entered the Army in 1956, where he was later deployed to Germany. Audrey was able to join him with their firstborn child, Steve. She sold their car to purchase a plane ticket and flew to Germany with a toddler. This must have been a beautiful memory for him, as he shared it over and over up to the end of his life. He later transferred to the reserves and was honorably discharged in 1958. Bruce helped raise his two children as an exceptional provider. He worked as a serviceman for a local Kansas City trucking company from Apr 1955-Sept 1995. He retired as a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Bruce often took his family on vacation to southern Missouri, Minnesota, Ontario, and Manitoba, Canada. From the very beginning, he loved being out of doors, either fishing, camping, boating, or hunting. Bruce was proud of catching two trophy fish, a 10-pound Walleye, and 7.8 pound Rainbow Trout. He spent a lifetime camping in Canada enjoying the family time, scenery, fishing, wildlife, and eating the most amazing daily catch prepared by his wife. Often he shared stories of watching Bald Eagles swoop down close to his boat and grasp a fish from the water. He and Audrey would later enjoy several trips with their church group and family across the USA, including cruising to Alaska and the Caribbean. Bruce was known for his kind smile and sweet personality, especially in his elderly years. Along with family, those who cared for him often spoke of how sweet and kind he was and a joy to be around. Both Bruce and Audrey are born again, Christians, and they know they will be together again.
Bruce is survived by his wife, Audrey; his son Steve; his daughter Mary Valverde; his grandchildren Candice Walker, Nathan, John, Matthew, Brett Booth, and Brooke Ruth. He is preceded in death by his sister, Beulah (Earlene) Easton; and his parents.
Bruce will be buried at the Newcomers White Chapel Funeral Home on July 3, 2020. The family gratefully declines flowers and donations, but prayers, condolences, and memories are gladly accepted at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/.
