Gary Brooks

Gary Brooks

Age 70 of Wilmington, Illinois, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, Illinois.

Born May 8, 1951 in Searcy, Arkansas, Gary Lee was a son of Hanford L. and Lela Warren-Brooks. He was raised in Judsonia, Arkansas and graduated from Judsonia High School with the Class of 1969.

Gary worked as a truck driver and retired from Yellow Freight. He was extremely talented in both wood and metal work, and enjoyed jewelry making. Gary was a great musician, loved playing the guitar, and shared special memories accompanying his son on the drums, and his daughter singing.

In addition to music, Gary took pleasure in being outdoors; working in the yard; spending time in the garage, and working on his truck.

Survivors include his wife, Marianne (nee Martens); daughter Jennifer Orr (fiancé – Chad Speer) and grandson, Keenan Orr of Wilmington; son, Garret (Sarah) Brooks and grandsons: Sterling and Jackson Brooks of Joliet, and daughters: Tandria (Kevin) Robertson of Plainfield and LeeAnna Brooks of Texas.

He was a grandfather and “Papaw” to numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; brother to Martha Jean (the late J.W. “Bo”) Morgan and Betty (the late Billy) Hulsey, both of Judsonia, Arkansas and Ann (Arthur) Cranford of Greenbrier, Arkansas; brother-in-law to Nancy Martens (the late Jimmie) Williams of Mexico, New York and uncle to many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Fred and Ruth Martens; three sisters: Wilma (Richard) Rarick, Virginia (B.J.) Metcalf and Bobbie Brooks, and three brothers: Billie Brooks, Alvis Brooks and H.L. “Buddy” Brooks.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington on January 8, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 12:30 p.m.

Those attending the visitation and services in person will be asked to wear a face covering.

Anyone wishing to participate in the services virtually are welcome to join the live-stream on Saturday, January 8, 2022 beginning at 12:30 p.m. A link for the event will be available on Gary’s Memorial Page.

Burial will follow in Saratoga Cemetery in Morris. Pallbearers will be Garret Brooks, Jennifer Orr, Keenan Orr, Todd Pehlke, Ric Pehlke and Chad Speer.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Gary’s memory to his family for their distribution to local charities of their choosing.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the Wilmington Fire Department and EMT's for their outstanding service and assistance to Gary over the past years. In addition special recognition to the entire Riverside Medical and Nursing staff, including Riverside Home Healthcare and their Physical Therapists. The care of so many of these medical professionals and especially that of Dr. Maceren and Dr. Khanna will always remain in their hearts.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Gary’s memorial page online through social media by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com/obituary/Gary-Brooks

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. ( 815-476-2181 )