David Allan Brooks

MARQUETTE-David Alan Brooks, age 81, of Marquette, entered eternal life on March 27, 2026, at UP Health System Marquette.

Born in Redford Township, Michigan, he was the son of Elmer and Tyne (Frost) Brooks. David was raised in Redford Township and graduated from Redford Union High School with the Class of 1963. Following high school, he attended Northern Michigan University, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Education.

David began his career teaching vocational auto in lower Michigan before moving to Gwinn, where he continued teaching at Gwinn High School. On April 14, 1972, he married the love of his life, Elinor Winton. Together, they made their home in Marquette County before moving to various places across the country as David continued his work in education and later answered a calling to ministry.

David became a licensed pastor and faithfully served a congregation in El Paso, Texas. In 2003, he and Elinor returned to Marquette, where he retired from pastoral ministry.

David had a deep love for people and a servant's heart. He found great joy in being a pastor, sharing his faith in a way that was simple, relatable, and heartfelt. He was known for his compassion, quick wit, and playful, mischievous spirit. David had a special gift for connecting with others, he could walk into a room and leave a lasting impression, with eyes that seemed to look straight into the heart. Because he felt deeply loved by God, he shared that love freely with everyone he met.

Outside of ministry, David enjoyed working on classic cars and took pride in his hands-on skills. He and Elinor were a wonderful team in all they did. During the holiday season, he became well known in the community as "the city Santa," bringing joy to many through his festive spirit and warm personality.

David is survived by his beloved wife, Elinor "Eli" Brooks; his daughters, Candy, Sarah, and Netio Brooks, all of Marquette; his son, Erick (Bailey) Johnson of New York; and his grandchildren, Emmett, Beatrice, and Lucy Johnson. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sons, Jimmy and Michael Brooks; his brothers, Elmer, Don, and Robert Brooks; and his sister, Betty Brooks.

A service to celebrate David's life will be held on Friday, April 3, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Marquette Bible Church, with Pastor Kyle Detmers officiating. The service will be live-streamed and may be viewed on the church's Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Marquette Bible Church Benevolence Fund, with donations available online at marquettebible.org.

Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family, where condolences may be expressed online at canalefuneral.com