Richard L. Brooks

Richard L. Brooks, 68, of Overland Park, Kan., passed away peacefully at his home, Friday, Sept. 2, 2005, after a lengthy illness of cancer.

A celebration of his life will be Tuesday, Sept. 6, at noon, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 West Wall, Fort Scott, Kan. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral.

Richard was born May 14, 1937, in Hume, Mo., to James N. and Gussie Brooks. He graduated from Hume High School and later attended Wichita State University. He served in the U.S. Army four years and was a member of the Army Signal Corp.

In 2000, he retired from the Federal Aviation Administration (Manufacturing Inspection District Office), Kansas City, Mo. After retirement, Richard continued to raise cattle on his farm in Hume and also enjoyed trapshooting with the guys. He was a member of the Stilwell Methodist Church.

Richard was active in little league baseball when his family lived in Wichita, Kan. He was vice commissioner and commissioner of the West Urban Little League and helped to establish a new baseball complex. In appreciation of his efforts, a baseball field was named in his honor.

Richard is survived by Evelyn, his wife of nearly 45 years, one daughter, Kim Tankel, her husband Mike and three grandchildren, Kate, Isaac, and Micah, Overland Park, Kan.; two sons, Mark Brooks and his wife Kim, Paola, Kan.; and Mike Brooks, Shawnee Kan.; his sister Margie Johnson, Nevada, Mo., as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother James "Bud" Brooks, Hume, Mo.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Friends of Johnson County Mental Health, 6440 Niemen Rd, Shawnee Mission, KS 66203.