William Loren Brooks

William Brooks, 88, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away on his 41st wedding anniversary, Sunday, March 2, 2025, at MyMichigan Medical Center in Alma. Born on January 8, 1937, in Isabella County, Michigan, he was the son of the late Loren and Dorothy (Judge) Brooks. William, known affectionately as Bill, was a graduate of Shepherd High School in 1955.
Bill's first marriage to Bonita Granger was blessed with five children: Jill, Julie, Jack, June, and Joan. He later found love again and married Gloria Ann (Kniffen) Smalley on March 2, 1984, welcoming her children into his family.
From a young age, Bill learned the value of hard work by helping his father on the family farm. He spent most of his career working for Dow Chemical. He also co-owned Brooks and Granger Body Shop, where he developed a passion for cars, especially his 1950 Oldsmobile, which won numerous trophies for its appearance. After retiring from Dow Chemical, Bill and Ann split their time between Michigan and Branson, Missouri, where he continued working at the Osmond Theater and Mickey Gilley Theater. He remained active in his passion for vehicles, tinkering and painting them up until last year. He was even riding a two-wheel bike in recent years.
Bill was known for his immaculate yard, which he kept neat and mowed. He enjoyed taking his family on vacations every year, often camping in various campers and motor homes. He and Ann spent their winters in Zephyrhills, Florida. A devout Catholic, Bill made it a point to attend church on the weekends.
Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of 41 years, Ann, along with his children and stepchildren, Jill (Dave) Pickering of Midland, Julie (Pat) Sheahan of North Aurora, IL, Jack (Jean) Brooks of Mt. Pleasant, June (Matt) Bonstelle of Lake, Joan (Harold) Travis of Shepherd, Rick (Rhonda) Smalley of Shepherd, Jan (Paul) Goosmann of Wyoming, and Andrea (Jim Schmidt) Smalley of Nora, IL; grandchildren, Maureen (Aaron) Leach, Alison Sheahan, Kevin (Dannielle) Sheahan, Jason (Kimberly) Ellis, Ashley Spencer, Justin Travis, Jessica Brooks (Rick Luna) Cody (Christine) Brooks; great grandchildren, Gabrielle, Lucian, Amara, Haleigh, Joel, Emily, Adeline, Felix, Octavian, Arelia, Jax, and Elle; numerous step grandchildren and step great grandchildren; brother, Dan Brooks of Mt. Pleasant; former son-in-law, Randy Ellis; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Loren and Dorothy Brooks; brother, Ed Brooks; sister-in-law, Eileda Brooks; and son-in-law, Mark Burgher.
Cremation has taken place. A Funeral Mass for Bill will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 5, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Father Andy Booms will preside. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to Mass. Rite of Committal will be in Calvary Cemetery immediately following. All are invited to a luncheon at Lincoln Reception Center immediately following.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Envelopes will be available at the church or at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home.
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