Thomas Brooks was born January 8, 1933, in Marion, Alabama to the late Elihu and Maude (Fields) Brooks.  He passed away at the age of 88 on Monday, August 9, 2021.

Thomas accepted Christ at an early age where he was baptized at Hickory Grove Baptist Church. 

He came to Fort Wayne in October 1949. Sometime later he united with Pilgrim Baptist Church where he worshipped  until his health began to fail.

He was united in marriage to Earlean Chapman on February 8, 1953, She preceded him in death on August 30, 2006. 

Thomas enjoyed spending time with his family, watching westerns and baseball, gardening and cooking for his family and friends. 

He was United States Army veteran and retired from General Electric Company in 1993 after 40 years of service. 

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, two sons, Thomas A. “Al” (Linda) Brooks Sr. and Gary (Haley) Brooks both of Fort Wayne; a daughter, Thelma (Alonzo) Maxwell of Fishers, IN, 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren,  and two great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by four sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law, Lillie B. Williams (Brooks), Mary Jacobs, Joyce Johns, Cora Clay, Edward Chapman and Arbreyse Chapman as well as a host of nieces and nephews, other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife,  Earlean, a son, Stacey; grandson, Alonzo Maxwell Jr.; great-granddaughter, Jada Tracey and 20 siblings.

 

Thomas will be laid to rest with wife in Covington Memorial Gardens.