Robert C. Brooks, Ph.D's Obituary
Robert C. Brooks, Ph.D, 73, of Hallsville, Texas went to be with our Lord and Savior on Thursday, May 9, 2019. Bob was born in St. Louis, Missouri on October 15, 1945, and was the first of four children born to Carl and Hylo Hynes Brooks. At age 8, his family moved to Levittown, New York and attended school there graduating from Division Avenue High School in 1963. He was active in football, lacrosse, band, and choir. After graduating, he attended the University of Missouri and Missouri Baptist College. While attending college, he met the love of his life, Linda Barber Brooks and they married in 1965.
Shortly thereafter he volunteered for duty in the United States Army and served in Vietnam in the Signal Corps. When he returned home, he was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina where he ran the Army Boxing Arena.
In 1969 Bob began a very successful corporate career when he became a salesman for McNeil Laboratories, a division of Johnson & Johnson. During the next 13 years he was promoted 10 times and moved from Missouri to Pennsylvania, California, Florida, and Connecticut. During this time he was responsible for bringing to market much of the technology in medical devices that are common in hospitals all around the world today.
At age 47, Bob decided to retire from corporate life and purchased a small resort in the Berkshire Mountains in Western Massachusetts. Many families came back each year and became more like family than guests. During his time at the Oxbow Resort, Bob became a member of the Masons and Shriners. In 1998, Bob was elevated to the Chair as the Worshipful Master of the Republican Lodge, founded by Paul Revere.
After 10 years at the Oxbow, Bob moved to Florida and to pursue an eight year education in Ministry. He earned a Bachelors of Science in Ministry, a Master of Ministry in Pastoral Ministry, as well as a Doctorate of Ministry in Pastoral Ministry and a Ph.D in Christian Psychology. He was an Ordained Southern Baptist Minister and a Board Certified Christian Counselor. Over the last 15 years, he served as a volunteer in both Florida and Texas as a Chaplain. In addition to his many achievements, he also was awarded a patent in 2013.
Throughout his life he demonstrated his personal philosophy- Finish Well! He is survived by Linda, his wife of 53 years, daughter, Kristen and her husband Martin Litwak, his son Matthew Brooks, and daughter Becky and her husband Kevin Rutherford. His grandchildren include Samantha, Jessica, Rachael, and Thomas Thompson. Colton Butcher, Victoria Rutherford, and Wesley Brooks all of Hallsville, Texas.
Services for Robert Brooks will be held Monday, May 13, in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home in Longview, Texas. Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 12 from 4-6 PM. Burial will follow in Rosewood Park.
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