Richard Alfred Brooks

We pause today to shed a tear in memory of this wonderful man who we loved so dear Mr. Richard Alfred Brooks who went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday August 21, 2024 in Kalamazoo, Michigan at which the time he was with his loving and devoted wife by his side.
Mr. Richard Alfred Brooks was born on November 20, 1945 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Louis James Charles Brooks and Pernella Nevels. Richard was preceded in death by his brothers Louis (Bo) Brooks Jr, Phillips Brooks, and Jeff Brooks. Sisters Mildred Brooks and Kaja Brooks. And a lovely daughter Victoreia Foss.
Richard accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Galilee Baptist Church. Not only a member he was on the Usher Board that he took pride in.
Richard graduated from Cassopolis High School in 1964. He did have some college. But later decided to join the United States Air Force in January 1965 where he served until January 1973 and then joined the Air National Guard January 1974 until August 1990 when he retired. He also was a Sargent while serving. As well as worked at General Motors for 30 years as a fork lifter. Until his retirement in 2005.
Richard was a longtime resident of Kalamazoo who had and made many friends. He was a true friend, he showed his love and support to anyone he came into contact with. Was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and a friend. He was respected by family and friends. He had a refreshing smile. He was a very outgoing, friendly, and a fun person to be around. He was known to be a "social butterfly". He could and would make everyone laugh. He was truly a happy person. And made everyone feel comfortable. He was hard working, generous, and had a giving heart. He was a praying man and often prayed for family and friends. He always checked on everyone to make sure they were good. Loved spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed softball and bowling. Bowling three times a week. Within the last few years of his life he grew to love golfing. So much that he golfed everyday sometimes twice a day until dusk. Every week on Mondays and Wednesdays he always had breakfast with the fellas. He loved to play Bid Whiz. And loved to dance and was always on the dance floor. Doing his dance not the latest dance. But his dance. He volunteered at the golf course and Washington Elementary School working with young kids. And he also mentored young adults.
After many years together he prosed to Miss Minnie they were married 20 wonderful years together until the time of his death. They went on a lot of bowling trips and always bowled together. He also loved to go up North in the fall season months.
He will truly be missed. He leaves behind a legacy of love. A lovely wife Minnie Brooks. Three brothers Greg and Russell Brooks both of Illinois. Doug (Ledis) Brooks of Arizona. And two sisters Connie Hill of Illinois and Valerie Brooks of North Carolina. Two biological daughters Dionne (Mark) Dowdy and Theresa Jackson both of Kalamazoo Michigan. And numerous step kids but he would never say step kids he would always introduce them as his very own kids. Who he treated and love so very much. As well as numerous grandkids and great grandkids. Also four brother in laws and two sisters in laws. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
A special friend Deborah Johnson.
He knew this world was not his final destination and he did not put his faith in it. He loved his time with us but he is living/loving his time with God now.
The family would like to apologize to everyone if they were not mentioned. There was a lot of family and friends that he knew and acknowledge and loved.
"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it". Psalm 118: 24