Clyde Andrew Brooke, Jr.

Clyde Andrew Brooke, Jr. passed away March 21, 2009 at his home located in Hancock County, Ms. on land that he treasured. He was born in Shreveport, La. His early years were spent in the oil boom towns of Arkansas, Texas and New Mexico, settling in Conroe, Texas, where he graduated from high school. He attended Louisiana Tech University and the University of Texas, receiving a degree in petroleum geology. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the European Theater as a pilot in the Army Air Corps 440th Troop Carrier Group. His career as a geologist began in 1947 with Stanolind Oil and Gas Company, later to be known as Amoco. After retiring in 1979 as Exploration Manager of Amoco's New Orleans Region, he concluded his oil industry activity as Vice President of Exploration for Pennington Oil Company, Baton Rouge, La. In October, 1952 he bought his first parcel of land in Hancock County, Mississippi. He enjoyed working his bird dogs and quail hunting when he was not occupied with the restoration of forest and wildlife habitat on his property. This land, now locally and nationally know as "Brookewood" exemplifies the Longleaf Pine ecosystem and the wildlife associated therewith. Mr. Brooke’s roots in Hancock County, Mississippi were deeper than many realized. His grandfather was born in the 1840's in "Old Gainsville", where his great grandfather was an innkeeper. He is survived by Ruth Ola Fultz Brooke, his wife of 67 years, his son Judd Michael Brooke of Necaise, his grandson, James Michael Brooke and wife, Jacquelyne of Starksville, Ms. A memorial service will be announced in the future. Memorial contributions may be made to either the Leetown Volunteer Fire Department 24440 Rester Road, Picayune, MS 39466 or to Wildlife Mississippi P.O. Box 10, Stoneville, MS 38776. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th St., Gulfport is in charge of arrangements View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com