Donald E. Brooks

Donald E. Brooks, 87, of Oketo, KS, died Saturday, June 9, 2012 at his home. Visitation was Tuesday, June 12, from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. at Kinsley Mortuary. The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. A funeral service was held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 13 at the United Methodist Church in Oketo. Rev. Dale Lewis officiated. The congregation sang “Blessed Assurance” and “I’ll Fly Away.” The pallbearers were Allen Oltman, Doug Totten, George Eichelberger, Denny Smith, Allen Prell and Bob Young. Burial with Masonic Funeral Rites and Military Rites was in the Oketo Cemetery. Don was born May 13, 1925 at Binkleman, NE, to Lester and Clarice (Outhet) Brooks. He graduated from Oketo High School. Don served in the Navy during WWII and was honorably discharged in 1945. On January 8, 1947, he was united in marriage to Dora Rodehorst at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Marysville. Donald worked road construction as a heavy equipment operator and road superintendent for many years. His work took him too many states. After retiring he worked road maintenance for the township and helped local farmers with harvest. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and watching the wildlife. Don loved to be with family, going to the farm and helping people. He was a member of Masons, Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Kansas, Barneston American Legion and Oketo United Methodist Church. Don served several years on the Oketo City Council and Oketo Cemetery Board. Survivors include his daughter, Sarah Brooks, Marysville; son, Dennis (Tania) Brooks, Salina, KS; sister, Betty (Lonnie) Roe, Axtell, KS; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents; wife of 51 years, Dora; an infant son; and brother, Robert Brooks. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oketo Cemetery or Meadowlark Hospice and may be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donald E. Brooks, please visit our flower store.