Ralph Edward Brooks

Ralph Edward Brooks, 72, peacefully passed, August 31, 2018, while in El Cajon, CA. His memorial service and celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 13, at First Church of God, St. James, MO,with dinner to follow. The Rev. Don Carson will be officiating.

Ralph Edward Brooks was born, February 17, 1946, in Rolla, MO. After graduating from John F. Hodge High School, Ed married his late wife, Gloria Jean Brooks and joined the U.S. Air Force serving 2 tours in the Vietnam War and a recipient of The Purple Heart. Ed and Gloria had one daughter; Sheryl Lee Henderson, one Grandson; Joshua Edward Michael Brooks, and one Granddaughter; Ashton Marie Henderson. Following in his father's footsteps as a Power Lineman, Ed worked and retired from CenturyTel as a Telephone Lineman. Ed truly enjoyed his career and loved sharing many stories, passing his love and passion of the trade onto his Grandson, Josh, whom is now a Power Lineman.

Throughout his life, Ed, enjoyed his family business, Video World and Tanning Spa, as well as raising Siberian Huskies for many years in Bourbon, MO. His hobbies also included being devoted to God and his church, golfing, reading, leather work, traveling, seeing new places and things, and anything that included spending time with his beloved wife, Velma, whom he married June 23, 2012, and his family whom he loved very much.

Ed was surpassed in death by his parents, Divinia and Sarah Brooks; his wife, Gloria Jean Brooks of 30 plus years marriage; his daughter, Sheryl Lee Henderson and husband, Tim; Granddaughter, Ashton Marie Henderson; his 5 siblings Richard, Nadine, Eulah, Blanch, and Orville.

Survivors include his wife, Velma Brooks, of St. James, MO; Grandson (whom he raised), Josh Brooks and wife, Jennifer; their children, Brady and Carter Brooks, of Sullivan, Missouri; his "Adopted Daughter" (foreign exchange student) Roxana Hughes and husband, Lee; their children Drake and Diego of Denton, Texas; his 6 step children; 3 of El Cajon, CA and 3 of St. James, MO, 18 step grandchildren, 8 step-great grandchildren, several cousins, nieces, nephews and many many friends.

Ed will be greatly missed!