Arthur B Brooks' Obituary
“The ups, the downs, the successes and the failures, the sadness and the joys, the tears and the laughter are things we all experience through life. It is how we handle each event in life, with determination and perseverance where needed, that brings us successfully through life, building our personalities. Every day is a new day, an opportunity to ‘bring out the sunshine’ and revitalize our lives.” - Arthur B Brooks Jr.
Arthur B. Brooks, Jr. passed away Friday, January 27, 2023, after a short illness. Born September 28, 1942 in North Kansas City, Missouri, he was the only child of Arthur Benjamin Brooks and Virginia Lee Dougan Brooks who preceded him in death.
He was dedicated to his family and a forty year career with the University of Missouri - Rolla. During World War II while his father was in the Pacific serving in the U.S. Navy, Art and his mother lived with his maternal grandmother and two aunts. At age 4, he was the mascot of North Kansas City High School. He was adored by many, including his fifteen first-cousins; many great aunts and uncles. He enjoyed scouting, reading, baseball, and friends. He was an Eagle Scout and would often entertain his children and grandchildren with stories of his scouting days. He graduated from the University of Missouri - Columbia in 1965 with a bachelor's degree.
Art met Phyllis Webster at a church event in Bellevue, Nebraska in the summer of 1963. They married June 6, 1965 and were blessed with four children: two daughters and two sons. Art worked for forty years at the University of Missouri-Rolla beginning his career there as the Assistant to the Registrar. He was the first to introduce data warehousing to the university and became the Director of Data Processing. One of the highlights of his career was to be named an Adjunct Professor before retiring.
In retirement he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and writing. His sense of humor kept everyone entertained and he was always willing to take time to visit with you. He took pride in the accomplishments of his children and his grandchildren - he was their biggest fan and cheerleader.
He is survived by his beloved wife Phyllis of 57 years, their four children: Renee (James) Vasher of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Bryan (Martina) Brooks of Rogers, Arkansas, Garrett (Gretchen) Brooks of Anchorage, Alaska, and Debrah (Jeremy) Minster of St. Louis, Missouri; thirteen grandchildren: Christopher (Ceidy) Vasher, Sarah Vasher, Amanda Vasher, Andrew Vasher, Trevor Metheny, Tori Metheny, Heather (Jacob) Holloway, Amy Brooks, Leah Weiss, Lillian Brooks, Rorik Brooks, Jacob Minster, and Nathan Minster, and three great-grandchildren: Clara Vasher, Raelynn Holloway, and Fallon Holloway.
He touched the lives of many people and most of all will be remembered as a good and loving family man—son, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, revered nephew and cousin.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the V Foundation at v.org, Troop 26 Invest in a Scout at http://www.troop26.org/resources/invest-in-a-scout/ or Team Rubicon at teamrubiconusa.org
Celebration of life service will be Friday, February 3, 12:30 PM, Floral Haven Funeral Chapel, Broken Arrow, OK.
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