Leon A. "Bobby" Brooks

Retired Lt. Col. Leon A. “Bobby” Brooks, a man of family, faith and country, died Sunday at his Biloxi home at 94. He leaves an extended family legacy of 23, including great-great grandchildren. Bob is remembered for his generosity, his mentoring of the younger generations, his sense of humor, his infectious positive attitude, belief in God and unstoppable patriotism. He was generous to a fault, and his wealth of friends drew from many walks and professions in life. He was born in New Orleans Oct. 20, 1914. His maternal Italian influence is credited with his lifelong insistence of making sure everyone always had enough to eat. After high school, at age 17, he joined the Army National Guard, and in World War II was activated as an Army Air Corps lieutenant. He served in North Africa, Italy and Germany. He remained in the Air Force and before retiring in 1963, he served as commander of Camp John Hay in Baguio, the recreational base in the Philippines that served the Far East. He was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in 1959, and remained on the Coast except to earn a master’s degree in gerontology from North Texas University. Bob is survived by his wife of 72 years, Maxine Elizabeth Brooks; two children, Robert Alfred Brook of Biloxi; and a daughter, Paula Elizabeth Butler of Pass Christian and her husband Raymond Butler. The grandchildren are Stephen Blain Burke, Norfolk, Va.; Jeffery Brian Burke, D’Iberville; Suzanne Elizabeth Burke and her husband Shawn Fernandez, Dallas, Tex.; Timothy Bryce Burke and his wife Liesl Kirlin, Pottstown, Pa.; Andrew Brooks Butler, Pass Christian; and Sarah Elizabeth Meeks and her husband Craig Meeks, of Pass Christian. The great-grandchildren are: Alecia (and her husband Tom Taylor), Brian, Eric, Ashley, Carlie, Jessica, Liliana, all Burke; Heidi Aucoin and her husband Rick Aucoin; and Allison Phillips. The great-great-grandchildren are Caitlin and Chloe, both Taylors; and Cameron and Chloe Aucoin. He is also survived by a nephew, Glenn Grelier, New Orleans, LA Services will be Wednesday, March 25, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 2090 Pass Road, Biloxi. Visitation will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by the funeral Mass. Burial with military honors will be in Grace Memorial Cemetery in Hammond, La. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations to Our Lady of Fatima,, where Bob was a longtime member. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Pass Road, Biloxi is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book @www.bradfordokeefe.com