Bruce Wayne Brooks

Bruce Wayne Brooks, age 83, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 8, at Frankfort Regional Medical Center.

He was born in Frankfort on November 13, 1942, to the late R.T. and Betty Jean Brooks.

He was raised on Wilkinson Street & Leestown Rd, in a rambunctious, loving family with three younger brothers Glenn, David and Steve. Bruce was a smart, star athlete who gained local notoriety and acclaim, lettering in baseball, basketball, and football all four years at Frankfort High. His athletic accomplishments earned him a place in the FHS Hall of Fame. Bruce married a high school sweetheart, Judy Howard. The couple moved to Washington, D.C., where Bruce served as an agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Shortly after their move, Bruce and Judy lost their first child, Jon Michael. Bruce spent three years with the FBI, and following the birth of their second son, Bruce II, the couple moved back to Frankfort. In 1969, their third son, Brian, was born.

Bruce spent several years exploring careers, including positions with Investor's Heritage and the Kentucky Special Olympics, before becoming a loan officer at Capital Federal Savings & Loan, where he later earned the title of Vice President. He was eventually recruited by Farmers Bank and began a career there that lasted until his retirement as Executive Vice President in 2007.

In addition to being honored with the Community Development Award (Frankfort Board of Realtors), the Commonwealth of Kentucky Economic Development Award, the Guy Vanzant Community Service Award, and the Paul Sullivan Community Service Award (Chamber of Commerce), he served on many local and state boards. These included the Frankfort Jaycees, the Red Cross, Hospice of the Bluegrass, the Salvation Army, Frankfort Habilitation, Bluegrass Mental Health, the Frankfort YMCA, United Way of Frankfort, the Frankfort/Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, Kentucky Special Olympics, the KHSAA Girls State Basketball Tournament (Chairman), and Hospice of Franklin County. Throughout his career and volunteer service, he helped raise millions of dollars for organizations and causes that were close to his heart.

In 2009, following the death of his wife, Judy, Bruce was working on a Frankfort High School class reunion when he reconnected with a classmate, Martha Parrish Calvert. They became engaged in 2010 and remained devoted to one another until his passing. Martha was at his side when he passed. She resides in Greenville, South Carolina, and the two made frequent trips between Kentucky and South Carolina. Bruce cherished his extended family in South Carolina.

Bruce was known for his storytelling, warmth, humor, love of golf, and strong work ethic. At home, he enjoyed reading, painting, "saving" lost golf balls, and cheering on the UK Wildcats. He loved meeting new people and made friends everywhere he went. He always had a story to tell-even if he had told it before.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Judy; his brother, Glenn; and his son, Jon.

He is survived by his loving sons, Bruce Brooks II and Brian Brooks; his fiancée, Martha Calvert; his brother, Steve Brooks and sister-in-law, Patty; his brother, David Brooks and sister-in-law, Shirley, of Australia; sister-in-law Kay Brooks; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will deeply miss him.

A Celebration of Bruce's life and legacy will be held at Harrod Brothers Funeral Home on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. with Rev. Todd Lester officiating. A visitation will be at Harrod Brothers Funeral Home from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Monday. A private family burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Bridge the Gap Lexington (tinyurl.com/BTGLex) or Network for Hope (networkforhope.org) in his memory.

Arrangements are under the direction of Harrod Brothers Funeral Home & Crematory.