William Boyd Brooks

William Boyd Brooks, 99, of Pittsburg, Kansas passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025 at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.

He was born on March 28, 1926 in Fort Scott, Kansas to George and Fern (Gaither) Brooks. Following graduation from Fort Scott High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy and went through boot camp in Farragut, Idaho. After gunnery school, he spent 20 months in the Pacific Theater. He was also part of the color guard in Ft. Scott for Richard Nixon.

As a veteran of World War II, it became a chapter of his life that reflected his courage and sense of duty. After returning from the war, he attended Fort Scott Community College where he also played on the football team. Upon graduation, he attended Wichita State University studying journalism while also working at Boeing Aircraft.

He married Barbara Ann Foster in Fort Scott on August 28, 1948 and they were married 51 years before Barbara's passing on July 22, 1999.

Mr. Brooks worked at the Western Casualty Insurance Company in Fort Scott, Kansas before being transferred to Davenport, Iowa as a field agent. He then was co-owner of an insurance branch in Muscatine, Iowa, finally ending his career in Denver, Colorado.

At the heart of his life was family and friends. He was known for his quick wit, kindness, and respect for other people. On the weekends he could be seen playing football, baseball, and basketball with the neighborhood kids who all loved him. One of his great joys was coaching kids in sports. For many he was a mentor whose encouragement and humor left a lasting mark.

His faith was not merely a belief but a guiding force. It gave him strength in difficult times and humility in good ones. It shaped his character and helped form the quiet integrity with which he faced every challenge. Out of this faith a free breakfast on Tuesday mornings at St. Peters Episcopal Church for needy people was born and has run for several decades. There were so many times that he would give money to people who looked like they needed a hot meal.

Membership was held in St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Pittsburg, the Rising Sun Masonic Lodge #8 of Fort Scott, the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, and the VFW.

Survivors include a daughter, Candace Colyer of Pittsburg, Kansas; a son, Pat (Shirlene) of Orlando, Florida; eight grandchildren, Jenni (Blake) Shaw, Lauren Polich, Kristen (Brandon) Giefer, Bret Colyer, Vanessa (Joshua) McAnally, Jason (Renee) Vannatter, Ryan Records, Riley (Sadie Goetz) Brooks, and 20 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, a son, Mark Brooks, and a son-in-law, Dr. Donn Coyler.

He will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

A Memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday (November 22nd) at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 306 W. Euclid, Pittsburg with Father Ryan Willis officiating. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Peters Breakfast Fund, Wounded Warriors, or SEK Humane Society. These can be left at the church or mailed to Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, Kansas 66762. Friends and loved ones may also leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary.