Harry Brook

1924 - 2020

Harry Brook

Harry Brook passed peacefully from this world on Friday evening, October 16, 2020. To friends, he was known as H.E., Herm, or Harry — but to his family, he was our patriarch, hero, encourager, Dad, and Grandpa.

Harry Eugene was born on July 28,1924 to Harry Melvin and Bessie Mae (Reeves) Brook in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Harry grew up in "South Tulsa" in the 51st and Mingo area where he graduated from Union High School in 1942. It was in his formative years that Harry developed his three life loves — love for his country; his love for sports…especially baseball; and more than anything, his unconditional love for family.

At only 19 years old, Harry enlisted in United State Marine Corps on March 6, 1943. His mother broke down in tears when he told her; but he was determined to serve his country. Harry became a Staff Sargent in 1944. During his service in WWII, Harry served in the South Pacific and participated in the occupation of Japan. Following his Honorable Discharge, Harry returned home to Tulsa in June 1946.

Not long after, Harry began a 36 year career at Western Electric, now known as AT&T, where he worked as a Supervisor. Being an incredible "people person", and having a unique way of connecting with anyone he met, Harry developed many lifelong friendships with co-workers from his decades with AT&T. It was several years into his career that he spied the prettiest girl he had ever seen. He pursued Juanita Jane until she finally agreed to go out on a date with him. As Harry recalled the story, "I chased her until she caught me". The two were married on July 21, 1958, and became a family of 4 with daughter, Kathy and son, David. The little family of 4 settled into their home on 74th East Avenue where they welcomed son, Kent, in February 1963. Together, Harry and Juanita built a wonderful life for their growing family, making many more lifelong friends in their neighborhood.

Harry enjoyed working behind-the-scenes with the vendors and employees during the Tulsa State Fair for over a decade. His joyful personality left a lasting impression on the many wonderful friends he made at the Fairgrounds.

Being an avid sports enthusiast, it was natural that Harry went on to volunteer coach Kent's little league teams at John Paul Jones Elementary (aka, the Jones Boys). Many of his former players still recall how he was always encouraging and rooting for them, not just in the game, but also in life. Always willing to help wherever he was needed, Harry served as a sports commissioner for the Whitney Bears and Booster Club President for the Nathan Hale Rangers, earning respect and lifelong friendships through the relationships he built with fellow parents.

Harry loved his Oklahoma State Cowboys; and he and Juanita traveled the turnpike from Tulsa to Stillwater for every home football and baseball game for decades. They loved cheering for their team, and they especially loved the friendships of the families who sat around them as season ticket holders.

"…and he loved baseball." Harry's lifelong favorite pastime was anything baseball. In fact, if you search the archives of the Tulsa World, you'll find various quotes and articles about Harry. Harry merged his love of baseball and his love for the Tulsa Drillers for 25 years where he "worked" in his retirement as head usher. He absolutely loved being part of the energy...the game he followed his entire life, the players, employees, fans. Harry was proud of his Tulsa Drillers and had many lifelong friends from his years there.

Harry's greatest love of all was the unconditional love for his family. He was so proud of every one of us — and each of us knew we were his "favorite". No matter our interests, Harry was always excited and encouraging about everything we did. He was the BEST of storytellers; the ultimate game player; the biggest encourager; the most positive person; the most loving example of care and devotion; and our greatest hero.

Those left to cherish memories and continue the legacy of our Dad and Grandpa include: daughter, Kathy Keating; son, David Spry (wife Paula); and son, Kent Brook (wife Edana). Additionally, he is survived by grandchildren, Tiffany Keating (husband Steven Basileo), Russell Spry (wife Stephanie), Susan Wasson (husband Britt), Bailey Cole (husband Caleb), and Madison Brook. And 7 great-grandchildren: USMC Lance Corporal Garrett Spry and Christopher Spry; Tre, Landon, and Skylar Wasson; and Ava and Alexa Basileo. He leaves behind numerous friends from AT&T, Tulsa Drillers, Tulsa Fairgrounds, Oklahoma State, and The Villages at Southern Hills.

Harry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Juanita; brother and sister-in-law, Hayes and Francis Moss; parents, Harry and Bessie Brook; parents-in-law, Charles and Emma Moss; as well as numerous other family and friends.

Funeral service will be held at The Park Church of Christ, 10600 East 96th Street, Tulsa, on Saturday, October 24, 2020, at 10:00 am (socially distanced seating provided; masks required).

The service will also be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person. Go to www.theparkchurchtulsa.org, then click on the "green tree". Private family burial at Floral Haven.

There will be opportunity to pay respect and sign the guest registry on Friday, October 23, at Moore's Southlawn Chapel, 9350 East 51st Street, Tulsa, 8am-8pm.

Memorial donations may be made to Folds of Honor at www.foldsofhonor.org. www.moorefuneral.com