Larry Douglas Brooks

Larry Douglas Brooks, 76, of Lake in the Hills, IL, passed away on November 16, 2025, after a short but hard-fought battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS).
Larry was born on July 26, 1949, in Tylertown, MS. He was preceded in death by his parents, M.L. Brooks and Hazel Ozella (Johnson) Dowdy, his grandparents, and his firstborn, Troy Brooks. He is survived by his sister, Carolyn (Brooks) Jones; his wife, Sharon (Smith) Brooks; children, Giulia (Tim) Mueller, Keli (Ryan) Orlowski, and Eric (Claire) Brooks; grandchildren, Courtney (Tracy) Fields, Megan Brooks, Troy Brooks Jr., Simon Mueller, Quinton Orlowski, Hope Orlowski, Joshua Orlowski, Aiden Brooks, Rachel Brooks, and Ethan Brooks; and great-grandchildren, Aubree Fields, Jay Brooks, and Liam Brooks.
After graduating from West Marion High School in Foxworth, MS, in 1967, Larry served in the Merchant Marine before beginning his decorated military career in the US Air Force. Specializing in Ground Radio, he received numerous awards and commendations, including Commendation Medals, Marksmanship Awards, Trainer of the Month, and recognition for his work with the Joint U.S. Military Public Affairs Bureau, United States European Command, welcoming the return of the Iranian hostages to freedom at Rhein-Main Air Base, Germany. He was especially proud of earning the designation of Master Instructor. After more than 20 years of service, Larry retired honorably as a Master Sergeant.
After retiring from service, Larry began his civilian career highlighting several of his talents. With an analytical and creative mind, he succeeded in many positions. At Heath Company in Benton Harbor, MI, he worked as a technical writer, producing training materials on ground radio, and electronics for universities and businesses. He also worked at Zenith Data Systems in St. Joseph, MI, and Buffalo Grove, IL. Before Larry returned to the classroom as a technical instructor at Motorola in Schaumburg, IL, he taught K-12 students as a substitute teacher in several districts in southwest Michigan. In efforts to continue polishing his training and educational prowess, Larry spent several years completing his PHD coursework through Roosevelt University. As a constant provider for his family, Larry returned to wartime conditions for 3 years in Mosul and Baghdad, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Among other duties, he set up infrastructure for cellular communications. Upon his return stateside, Larry joined Olsun Electronics in Richmond, IL as the Chief Quality Officer. He retired from civilian work at the end of his time at Olsun Electronics.
Family meant more to Larry than anything else. He loved playing games, telling stories, joking, and laughing with loved ones. He shared countless adventures and memories with his sister, Carolyn, and extended family, filling gatherings with joy and laughter. He was a wealth of knowledge on obscure facts and was also notorious for playfully stretching the truth for a joke, especially with his sister-in-law, Trisha Smith. Teasing often led to her asking, "Is he telling me the truth?" This always left him laughing.
In October 1975, Larry met Sharon, the love of his life. They were married June 19, 1976. They spent the first 6 years of marriage in Germany where Larry was stationed with the US Air Force. Larry's son, Troy, lived with them for a period of time. Together the three of them traveled, learned about the culture, and discovered new foods. Before leaving Germany, they welcomed their first daughter, Giulia. Shortly after returning to the US, "the twins" Keli and Eric, completed the family. With Larry's loving leadership his family grew into a close-knit circle. This connection overflowed outside of the immediate family to welcome many friends and new family members. His pride and joy were his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and the legacy that he left.
As a young boy, Larry committed his life to the Lord and faithfully nurtured that relationship throughout his years. His family finds comfort in knowing he is now in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Pallbearers are Quinton Orlowski, Joshua Orlowski, Aiden Brooks, Jordan Harrison, Jason Jones, and Jeffrey Orlowski. Honorary Pallbearers are Troy Brooks Jr., Ethan Brooks, and Simon Mueller.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Twin Oaks Baptist Church or Samaritan's Purse in Larry's memory. A wake will be held at DeFiore Funeral Services, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley, IL, on November 22, 2025, from 4:00–7:00 pm. The funeral will be held at Twin Oaks Baptist Church, 15N615 Randall Road, Sleepy Hollow, IL, on November 23, 2025, with visitation from 1:00–2:00 pm and the service immediately following. Interment will take place on December 5, 2025, at 1:30 pm at Biloxi National Cemetery, 101 Memorial Drive, Biloxi, MS, where Larry will receive full Military Honors.