CHARLES BROOKS

Charles Robert "Bob" Brooks 1927 ~ 2011 Charles Robert "Bob" Brooks, 84, died peacefully on April 2, 2011 at his home in Lehi, Utah after a courageous four and a half year battle against cancer. Bob was born March 15, 1927 to Arreva May Gurney and Charles William Brooks in Lehi. At a very young age, it became necessary for him to help support the family by working at odd jobs and picking turnips in the summer months. These difficult times developed his gratitude for all he had. He was never one to complain, which exemplified in one of his favorite sayings "I wish I had that one and they had a better one." His dedication and generosity was reflected in every aspect of his life. He dedicated 20 years coaching his four boys and his nephew as a Western Boys Baseball team. After Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, Bob joined the Navy and was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Wasp. He was on active duty in both the Pacific and Atlantic waters. The Wasp shot down the last Kamikazi airplane of World War II and for bringing home a great many of our troops that served in Europe. Following the war, he returned home and married his sweetheart Beverly in American Fork on February 27, 1946. It was later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS temple on February 17, 1956. Bob's dedication and generosity was reflected in every aspect of his life. He was highly respected by his co-workers in the Open Hearth at US Steel for 40 years. His dedicated 20 years coaching his four boys, a nephew and countless others in a Western Boys Baseball league. He was an active member and a High Priest of the LDS Church where he and his wife served as stake missionaries. Much of his life was dedicated to various callings within the ward and stake. "Our father was a generous and thoughtful man", which is reflected in every aspect of his life. His legacy will continue on thru the lives of his children, grandchildren and others he mentored. He is survived by his wife, Beverly, his five children - four sons and one daughter: LaMar Robert (Sally) Brooks of Spanish Fork, Utah; Randy Charles (Coni) Brooks of Mona, Utah; Robert George and Les Graff Brooks of Lehi, Utah; and Ginger Ethel Pickering (David) of Arlington, Texas; 15 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, a sister, Bette Lou Walker and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one grandson and one sister. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 9, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the LDS Lehi 8th Ward, 127 East 3200 North, Lehi. Friends may call Friday from 6-8 p.m. at Anderson & Sons Mortuary, 49 East 100 North, American Fork and Saturday at 9:45-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the services. Burial in American Fork. Online condolences and memories may be sent at andersonmortuary.com