David Brooks Cofer Jr.

May 13, 1922 – September 3, 2012

Brooks died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Monday, September 3, 2012.

Brooks was born on May 13, 1922 at home in College Station, Texas on the campus of what was then The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas. His father, David B. Cofer, Sr., was a professor of English and the first archivist of the College. His mother Sara Nancy Allen was a descendant of John Allen, founder of Allen Academy.

Brooks enrolled in The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets and an Editor-in-Chief of the Battalion. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History on January 22, 1943, and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army.

Brooks entered active duty on January 29, 1943. Serving in the Coast Artillery, Brooks was stationed in Panama and released from active duty in April 1946. Utilizing the GI Bill, Brooks graduated in October 1948 from Washington and Lee University School of Law, Lexington, Virginia. He was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1950. He retired in 1968 as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve.

After passing the bar exam, Brooks re-entered active duty as a Captain and was assigned to Military Intelligence Detachment in the American Sector of West Berlin in East Germany. Brooks met his German wife and lifelong partner, Anneliese Tietze, in 1951 and they were married on July 3, 1953. Brooks was released from Active Duty in September 1953 and returned with his wife to his hometown of College Station.

Brooks served as Assistant County Attorney from 1955 to 1960, as County Attorney from 1960 – 1969 and as District Attorney from 1969 – 1972 for Brazos County, Texas. In 1972, Brooks went into private practice as a criminal defense attorney. In 1990, his daughter joined him in the practice of law. For the next 40 years, Brooks worked tirelessly for the citizens of Brazos County and received great personal satisfaction from helping others.

Brooks actively supported the March of Dimes, the Environmental Action Council, Stagecenter Community Theater, and the Democratic Party. He was an active member of Faith United Church of Christ since 1953. Brooks was a member of the Earl Graham Post 159 American Legion for 56 years, serving as Judge Advocate and Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Brooks enjoyed square dancing, snow skiing, hiking, reading, and cattle ranching. He was a loyal supporter of Texas A&M athletics, especially rooting for the Fightin' Texas Aggie Football team. Gig'em!!!

Anneliese and Brooks lived together for 61 years and raised their three children, Andreas ("Ken"), Annette, and Anne Marie. He was proud of their accomplishments; a retired Lieutenant Colonel ('76), a Registered Nurse ('80), and an Attorney ('83).

Brooks was preceded in death by his sister, Sara Allen Landon and her husband Cedric Landon.

Brooks is survived by his wife, Anneliese, and his children and their families: Ken and Val Cofer and daughter Lauren Curtis; Greg and Annette Scarmardo and their children Audrey and Travis Montgomery, Joe Arledge ('07) and fiancé, Suzanne Ray, Wade Brooks Arledge; Art and Anne Cofer McKellar and their children Meagan and Jackson. He is also survived by his sister Laetitia Haines and husband Frank of Houston, and many relatives and friends. His loyal dog, Rusty,
remained by his side. The family wishes to thank Lenora Dixon for her help and support.

The family will receive visitors at Brooks' law office of Cofer & Cofer, Inc., 200 East 33rd Street, Bryan, Texas from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 6, 2012.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 7, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith United Church, 2901 Austin's Colony Parkway, Bryan, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Faith United Church, P.O. Box 4470, Bryan, Texas 77805 or to a charity of one's choice.

View his Book of Memories™ at CallawayJones.com.