"Davve Phil & Karen So sorry to hear about Melvin, I know what you are going threw God bless. Steve Quick"
In loving memory of
Melvin LeRoy Brooks
June 8, 1919 - January 7, 2013
Melvin L. Brooks, 93, of Fort Dodge, died Monday, January 7, 2013 at his home. Funeral services will be held at10:30 a.m. Friday at the Foster Chapel, with Pastor Chad Halbach officiating. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Foster Funeral and Cremation Center from 5:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m. Thursday and prior to the service on Friday. Military rites will be conducted by American Legion Post # 191.
Melvin LeRoy Brooks, son of Charles and Frances Clabaugh Brooks, was born June 8, 1919 on a farm near Stratford. He received his education in a rural school in that area. He served in the U.S. Army -136th Infantry from May of 1942 to November of 1945, receiving a bronze star. He served in the Pacific Theatre of Action. On August 11, 1948, he married Irene M Anderson at Denver, CO. The couple resided in Webster City. Irene died September 16, 1978. With his brothers, Randall and Stewart, they owned and operated the Webster City Rewind Shop from 1939 to 1982. They had also owned a plastic injection business which was purchased by Willie and Bev Van Whye in 1983. In 1984, he moved to Fort Dodge. In 1985, he married Joyce M Owenson at Nashua. The couple resided in Fort Dodge. Joyce died April 9, 2012.
Mr. Brooks is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, David Brooks, Philip and Diane Brooks, all of Cedar Rapids; daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Dr. Larry Beard of Lima, OH; 18 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; sister, Dorothy Allie Hanson of Augusta, GA; step-sons, Doug (Mary Beth) Owenson of Dayton; Denny (Julie) Owenson of Dayton; Bruce (Pam) Owenson of Harcourt; several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wives, he was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and spouses, Randall (Mildred) Brooks; Riley (Aurora) Brooks; Stewart (Marie) Brooks; sisters and spouses, Yvonne(Thomas) Prehm; Retta (Loran) Raines; brothers-in-law; Peyton Allie and Richard Hanson.
He was a member of the Church of Christ; American Legion Post # 191, where he was a past commander; was active in his children's and grandchildren's scouting and athletics; he especially enjoyed Iowa Hawkeye football, where David played from 1968-1970.
Write a personal tribute or light a virtual candle for the Brooks family at www.fosterfuneralandcremation.com
Tributes
"Dear Karen, David and Phillip- I can remember like it was yesterday going to your house for potluck dinners orcehestrated by our parents and the group of friends they had at the time, including your cousin Steve Brooks and his parents, as well as Max and Elsie Smith and their kids as well.. It had to be prior to 1965. You were all good at playing the game of Karems, which my brother Mike and I were not very good at and which we all played in the dead of winter when it had to be 20 degrees below zero. I last saw your father about 20 years ago and was amazed at how well he looked and was still as sharp as a tack. May he restt in peace. Sincerely, Tim Bashford Wilmette, IL"
"Thinking of all of you but I am also giggling! My favorite memory of your dad (and I know you know, Karen, what I am going to say!) is when your dad had to drive to Ackley in a blizzard to pick us up to bring us back to WC for semester break. We were going to take the bus home but ..... we missed the bus in Cedar Falls so Karen's friend drove us to Aplington to catch the bus. We just missed the bus in Aplington so ..... the friend took us to Parkersburg. Yes, we just missed the bus. Graciously, the friend drove us to Ackley and, you guessed it, we just missed the bus! That was as far as the friend was willing to go. My parents were out of town so we had to call Melvin. He was not amused. Between Ackley and WC Karen and I just laughed which did not amuse Melvin either. I am laughing right now as I remember it. I do not know how many times in my life I have told this story. It is one of my favorite memories. God bless you all and God bless Melvin Brooks!"
"Dave, Phil, and Karen, Sorry to hear about your dad. Uncle Melvin was a great guy and will be missed. Love to you all, Alison and Dennis Gaskill"
"You will be missed deeply. You were such a great step dad and step dad in law. We will miss your smile, humor and laughs. We are glad to have known you and were a big part of our family. Rest in Peace and we shall see each other some day. We love you. Bruce, Pam and Justine Owenson"