Thomas William Brooks

Thomas William Brooks, 71, resident of Lake Montezuma, passed away on Sunday, May 6, 2007 in Cottonwood. He was born June 4, 1935 in Dallas, Georgia to Herman Woodrow and Lillian Ruth (Starling) Brooks. Thomas graduated Jordan High School, located in Long Beach, California in 1953; following which he attended Mississippi Southern College. Thomas served his country during the Korean Conflict in the United States Air Force as Airman 2nd Class and E-3 Private, and received the Good Conduct Medal, and the SO-72 Medal. Working as an Applications Engineer in Medical Imaging Technology, Thomas had the opportunity to fulfill the capacity of many positions, including working with-Eureka X-ray Tube, Litton Industries, General Electric, Progeny. Thomas also felt a special sense of accomplishment for attending the Navy ROTC, being a 3rd Degree Mason, having membership with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Posse, and holding the past position of President with Beaver Creek Adult Center. He was also a member of the AFA-Barry Goldwater Chapter. Thomas enjoyed photography, landscaping and wildlife. He is preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Lillian Brooks. Thomas leaves behind his loving wife of 43 years, Sharon Brooks of Lake Montezuma; two sons, Jeff Brooks of Rockford, Illinois, and John Brooks of Derby, Kansas; his daughter, Laurie Caputo with her husband, Bruce of Grayslake, Illinois; two brothers, Robert Brooks with his wife, Beverly, James Brooks with his wife, Elaine, all of Long Beach, California; his sister, Mary Lee Bernhard with her husband, Richard also of Long Beach, California; and four adored grandchildren. He was a former member of the United Protestant Church in Grayslake, Illinois; and a current member of Camp Verde United Methodist Church, where the Funeral Service will take place on Saturday, May 12, 2007 at 10:00am. A Visitation will be held at Westcott Funeral Home the evening prior, Friday, May 11, 2007 beginning at 4:00pm. Thomas will be laid to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Cavecreek on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at 12:45pm. Donations made in his name, can be sent to: New Hope Cemetery Trust, c/o Mrs. Jane Austin-Treasurer, P.O. Box 1094, Dallas, Georgia 30132. An online guestbook is available at www.westcottfuneralhome.com