Norris Ralph Brooks, 93, of Greenfield, passed away on Friday, Jan. 31, 2014, at Springhurst Health Campus in Greenfield. He was born on Aug. 24, 1920, in Mohawk, Ind., as the son of Clarence Leslie and Mahala Jane (DeShong) Brooks.
Ralph graduated from Maxwell High School in 1938. Mr. Brooks proudly served in the Army as a Medic Aid in the 6th Infantry Division. He fought in the Philippines in the Pacific Theater. Ralph received a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.
Once out of high school, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). He worked for Delco Remy, in Anderson, for 33 years. Ralph was a member of the American Legion Post #119 in Greenfield, UAW, and attended Assembly of God Church in Greenfield.
He is survived by three children, Frances Lynne (Bill) Guinn of Greenfield, Allan Duane (Ava) Brooks of Ohio, Cinda Lou (Leonard) Burgess; grandchildren, Brian (Stephanie), Brenda (John), Angela (Matt), Carmen (Kevin), Leah (Erik), Benjamin (Kathryn), Brandi; 10 great -grandchildren, stepchildren, David (Sherrie) Hart, Susie (Bob) Lutz, Dian (David) Todd; and numerous step-grandchildren and great-stepgrandchildren.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, of 50 years, Leawanna Glendola (Kirkpatrick) Brooks; second wife, Helen Gweneviere Hart-Brooks; young brothers, Harold and Sherman; brothers, Lester, Richard, Robert, Roscoe, Ivan, Dave; and sister, Marianna Brantlinger.
Visitation will be from 4 – 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2014, at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory in Greenfield. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014, also at the mortuary. Pastor Jeff Lowder will be officiating. Burial will follow at Philadelphia Cemetery in Greenfield with military rites by the Greenfield Veterans Honor Guard. .
Memorial contributions may be made to the Kenneth Butler Memorial Soup Kitchen 202 E. Main St., Greenfield, IN 46140.
Friends may share a memory or send a condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com or email condolences to [email protected].
