Joseph L. Rooks

Joseph L. Rooks July 30, 1940 - February 12, 2007 Joseph LRay Rooks went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 12, 2007, in Oklahoma City, OK, from complications related to ALS. He was born July 30, 1940, at Mt. Harris, Colo., to Russell and Edemia Rooks. Joseph retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1980 after proudly serving his country for 20 years. He was a Vietnam veteran and last served as part of the 552nd AWAC Wing. After a distinguished military career, he worked for the State of Oklahoma and later became a mathematics teacher for the Oklahoma City Public School District. His passion for teaching touched the lives of many students at Douglas High School and Northeast Academy for Science and Engineering. He was an avid golfer prior to the onset of his disease. He graduated from Grand Junction High School in Grand Junction, Colorado. He received his bachelor's degree from Florida State University and his master's from the University of Missouri at Rolla. The joy of his life was his family. He especially loved his large extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins he grew up with in Grand Junction. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Peggy Jean; brother, James Rooks of Cory, CO; sons, Chris and wife Xiomara Rooks of Oakton, VA, Andrew and wife Teresa Rooks of Midwest City, and Toby and wife Karla Fullbright of OKC; daughters, Rae and husband Matt Dixon of Okeene, OK, Maureen Rooks of OKC, and Andrea and husband Mike Burnes of Rome, GA., Traci and husband Brent Nyberg of OKC; and grandchildren; Kylie Dixon, Meghan Dixon, Nicholas Rooks, Nathalia Rooks, Dawson Burnes, Kyndall Burnes, Jordan Rooks, Alex-Andria Rooks, Matthew Rooks and Andrew Salada; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 p.m. Thursday at Baggerly's Funeral Home in Edmond. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Friday at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Oklahoma City. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 4221 S. Western Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73109.