Roy Charles "Hank" Brooks

Roy Charles “Hank” Brooks was born on October 23, 1920 in Graford, Texas, Palo Pinto County where he lived for most of his life. His parents were Andy and Annie (Hay) Brooks.  Hank was the 5th child of 8 siblings. 

Hank (as he was known to most everyone) died almost one month to the day after his 102 birthday which was celebrated by family and friends at his current residence of Lakewell Assisted Living Center in Mineral Wells, Texas.

Hank was married to the love of his life, Maxine, for 78 years and they lived a life full of adventures, travel, fishing, and lots of card and domino playing.  Hank was preceded in death by Maxine or “Mike” as she was known by most everyone. 

Hank was an Army veteran entering the armed services in September of 1943 and receiving an honorable discharge in February of 1946.  He saw quite a bit of the world during that time, serving in New Caledonia, the Philippines, Okinawa, and Korea. 

Hank was also a Mason for many years and was about to receive his 75-year pen.    

Mike and Hank lived most of their married life in West Texas.  He worked as a Welding Foreman for Cabot for many years before being fortunate enough to retire early.  Hank also coached little league baseball in the community for many years.  He and Mike then moved back to Possum Kingdom where they both grew up.  And you cannot talk about Hank without talking about Maxine because they were always together. 

They enjoyed traveling across the United States from one lake, pond, river, creek, or mud hole to another as Hank was a master fisherman.  Mike didn’t even like fish but there was no place that Hank went that she wasn’t with him.  She always carried a book with her whether they were fishing in the boat or on the bank of wherever they were. They were always together, holding hands, playing Gin Rummy and SkipBo.  They were cracker jack Canasta players and taught many of the family, young and old, to play.  We were all very fortunate to have them with us as long as we did.  They continued to enjoy all of these activities until they were well into their 80’s. 

But Hank knew when it was time for them to give up the boat and move out of their house and into an assisted living facility.  Mike wasn’t happy about it because if it had been left up to her, they would have been living in an RV forever!  But Hank knew it was time. 

The family would like to acknowledge and thank the staff at Lakewell Assisted Living Center in Mineral Wells for taking such good care of Hank for the last few years of his life.  He was loved and spoiled rotten, often named King of something or other, and given anything he wanted (including his worm dirt).  They ignored his slightly off-color jokes and limericks, and just laughed and went on.  He was especially fond of Rita, Wendy, Rickey, and Jason. Thank you all so much for loving him as much as we did and taking care of him when we couldn’t be there.

Hank was preceded in death by his parents, wife Maxine, and almost all of his siblings.  Hank is survived by a brother Jerry Brooks and his wife Johnnie; Also, nephew Ernest Lowe; great niece Joetna Lowe, great nephew John Lowe, his wife Kristi, and their children Meredith and Cameron; great niece Kimberly Suggs and great nephew Curtis Suggs.  There were numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many, friends.  Two very special friends from Big Spring to be mentioned are Marilyn White and Carolyn Thompson. 

Visitation is Friday, November 25, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Baum, Garlock, and Baumgartner funeral home in Mineral Wells, Texas.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 26, at 10:00 am at First Baptist Church of Possum Kingdom Lake.   

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the McAdams Cemetery at Possum Kingdom Lake.

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