Bill Brooks Jr.

John William Brooks Jr, 73, went to be with the Lord April 21, 2023, surrounded by his children.

John, affectionately known as Bill, was born August 28, 1949, in Punxsutawney, PA to the late John William Brooks, Sr. and Henrietta (Long) Brooks. He was a graduate of Punxsutawney High School and a veteran of the U.S. Army, where he proudly served in the Vietnam War as crew chief of a Huey helicopter.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 24, 2023, from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Wilson-Orwosky Funeral Home in Emory TX.

A visitation and service will be held Thursday, April 27, 2023, Deeley’s Funeral Home in Punxsutawney, PA. Visitation will start at 10 a.m. with service to follow officiated by his nephew Randell Brooks.

Bill Brooks had many passions that were ever evolving, but his constant was aviation. His children fondly remember being taken to countless air shows, museums, and EAA’s Oshkosh. Bill enjoyed tinkering in the shop on one of his many airplane projects. Bill’s passions were often explored through his entrepreneurial spirit, whether it was learning and running his own printing company or being an independent owner operator truck driver. However, what Bill was the most passionate about was family. He made a tradition of road tripping back to Pennsylvania at least twice a year to visit his family. Although he wore many hats, his favorite job title was Gramps and enjoyed spending time with the grandkids, usually involving afternoon naps and ice cream.

He could be found every Sunday morning at Believers Baptist Church, where he was a current member. Following church, it was a guarantee there would be pizza for lunch.

Bill was preceded in death by his eldest son, John William Brooks III, his eldest brother, Randell Brooks, his brother-in-law Tom Burkett, and sister-in-law Kay Brooks.

Bill is survived and greatly missed by a large and loving family. His cherished children, son, Blake Brooks of Emory TX, three daughters, Brittany Brooks of Grand Saline TX, Kristy Day and husband Bradley Day of Ashdown AR, Amy Wiley and husband Dalton Wiley of Emory, TX. His beloved grandchildren, Blake Brooks, Lucas Nelson, Will Wiley, and Channing Day. His very much-loved siblings, sister, Millicent Burkett of Punxsutawney; three brothers, James Brooks, Joel Brooks and wife Judy, Dave Brooks and Cindy Seger, all of Rossiter.

In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to

Steffy Chapel 435 Steffey Church Road Rossiter, PA 15772 - (814) 952-5928