Charles Brooks Obituary
June 19, 1937 – December 29, 2025
Charles Ray Brooks, a proud veteran of the United States Army, passed away on December 29, 2025, at the age of 88.
Born on June 19, 1937, in Arkansas, Charles was the son of Ella Mae and Leonard. He grew up in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Madera, where he enlisted at the age of 17 and answered the call to serve his country.
A dedicated patriot, Charles enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1954. During his tenure of service, he achieved the rank of Specialist 4th Class. He served with distinction during the Cold War era, stationed at various locations where he upheld the highest standards of the military. Upon receiving his Honorable Discharge, Charles returned home with a lifelong commitment to the values of duty, honor, and country.
Following his military career, Charles worked for 25 years at Sherman Thomas Dairy. He then moved on to Evapco where he worked for 15 years, where he eventually retired. Charles loved the outdoors, gold dredging, fishing, and most of all, spending time with his family. He was the best storyteller, Dad, and Grandpa.
Charles was the beloved husband of Lena Brooks. He was a devoted father to Vicky Davis and Lisa Newman, and doting grandfather to 5 grandchildren,11 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Newman; his son-in-law, David Davis (husband of the late Vicky Davis); grandchildren: Tanya and James Foster, Kemberly and Matt Brown, David and Rayann Davis, Hailey Davis and Shantelle Newman; great-grandchildren: Areanah (Anthony), Jesse, Taylor, Jordan "JD" (Raquel), Jay'ziah, Christopher (Annah,) Austin, Jordan, Aaliyah, Alexa, and Stutton; and great-great-grandchildren: Angelo, Alaia, Aliyna, Ariya, Julian, Jacob, and soon-to-be-born baby Anthony "AJ."
He was preceded in death by his wife, Lena Brooks; his mother, Ella Mae Burris; his father, Leonard Brooks; his brother, Jessie Lee Burris; and his daughter Vicky Lynn Davis.
Family and friends are invited to honor Charles's life and service at a viewing on January 9, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Jay Chapel.
Funeral Service with full Military Honors will be held on January 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Arbor Vitae Cemetery.
"Duty, Honor, Country. Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be."
1121 Roberts Avenue, Madera, CA 93637
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