Jackie L. “Jack” Brooks
(November 19, 1942 – March 21, 2024)
Jackie Lee “Jack” Brooks, 81, of Findlay, IL, passed away at 5:21 a.m. Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital, Mattoon, IL.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 28, 2024 at Wright Cemetery, Findlay, IL, with Pastor Mike Reynolds officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Clarence Bixler American Legion Post #409 of Findlay, IL. Memorials may be given to Clarence Bixler American Legion Post #409, and mailed to Howe & Yockey Funeral Home, 415 North Broadway, Shelbyville, IL 62565.
Jack was born on November 19, 1942 in Moweaqua, IL, the son of Robert Oliver and Margie (Cruitt) Brooks. Jack attended Findlay High School in the Class of 1960 and began working on a ranch in Wyoming and traveled extensively throughout the United States with friends. Jack joined the United States Army in 1965, and served during the Vietnam War. He was assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group Airborne and the 1st Special Forces before being honorably discharged in December of 1967. Jack returned to Findlay and married Patricia Ann Armstrong on March 1, 1968, and she survives. He began working as a machinist at Caterpillar and later for Borg Warner, both in Decatur, IL. He and his brother, Robert, purchased the R&K One-Stop in Findlay, and owned and operated the station for many years. Jack also worked as a heavy equipment operator for Wayne Robinson (Robinson Bulldozing) in Bethany, IL. In his spare time, Jack enjoyed golfing, hunting and fishing. He could often be found watching his favorite sports teams: the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Bears, and St. Louis Blues.
Jack is survived by his wife, Pat; step-son, Brian Brooks and wife Alice of Jacksonville, FL; brother, David Brooks and wife Pat of Findlay, IL; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. Special appreciation to Kim and Ty Underwood and Jennifer and Sean Ruppert.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert E. Brooks, Roger J. Brooks (Ruth Ann), and Kenneth Brooks in infancy; and sister, Judy Francisco (Lonnie).