Robert Autry Brooks M.D.

Robert Autry Brooks, MD

3 April 1929 – 26 February 2026

Robert Autry Brooks, MD of Phoenix, AZ passed away peacefully on 26 February 2026. He was born to Walter Caswell and Ruth Autry Brooks on 3 April 1929 in Russellville, AR. Both his parents were of Arkansas pioneer heritage.

Bob graduated with an Associate's degree from Arkansas Tech University and received his Bachelor's degree from the University of Arkansas where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He attended the University of Arkansas Medical School, followed by Harvard Medical School, graduating in 1955.

Dr Brooks served in the US Air Force at the School of Aerospace Medicine, San Antonio, TX. After training in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology, he practiced pathology in Lincoln, NE from 1962 to 1967. He came to Phoenix to practice in 1968.

Until his retirement in 1994, Bob practiced in the Department of Pathology at St Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix where he held the positions of Director of Clinical Laboratories and Chief of the Department of Pathology. He served on the board of several medical organizations, including the Flinn Foundation.

While in residency, he met Jean Hammon. This red-headed nurse was to be his beloved wife of 66 years before she passed in September 2022. They built a life of family, friends and service wherever they lived. He was able to talk to everyone he met! Bob was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was well known for his love of classical music.

His hobby was genealogy, compiling family records back to the 1600s. He was still in pursuit of the elusive John Brooks, the first ancestor to come to this country. He co-authored a book on the descendants of Cornelius Autry of North Carolina.

He is survived by his son, Robert Hammon (Beverly) Brooks JD; by his daughter Janet Esther Brooks (Phillip Norton), five grandchildren: Phillip Robert (Paty) Norton; Danielle (David) Cox; Jessica Norton MD (Zach McKenty); Lisa Jean Norton (Tanner Smith); and Rosemary (Michael) Bragg. Also close to his heart was his niece, Virginia Lee (David) Gerrish and her two sons, Tony Peck and David Gerrish III. After the birth of his first grandchild, Bob was lovingly called Pappy.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Walter Allen (Marilyn) Brooks MD of Quanah, TX.

A viewing will be held at Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary from 10-11 am on 3 March 2026. Services will take place that afternoon at 1 pm at the graveside in Paradise Memorial Gardens, Scottsdale AZ.

Donations may be made to St Joseph's Foundation, 124 W Thomas Rd, Suite 250, Phoenix AZ, 85013 or a charity of your choice.