Irl Brooks

Irl Garrett Brooks, 67, of Columbia, Missouri, entered into rest on Thursday, June 12, 2014. He was born July 29, 1946, to the late Cecil G. and Evelyn E. (McCarty) Brooks in Callaway County, Missouri. He married Linda Chenoweth on December 22, 1967, in Hams Prairie, Missouri, and she survives. Irl proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War in the 48th Military Intelligence Group at Fort Bragg as a Specialist 4th Class. Irl was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, Good Conduct Medal, and Bronze Star. His passion for agriculture was evident in the almost four decades he spent as a manager for MFA. As a very social and outgoing man, his family and friends were of utmost importance to him, and he especially loved his grandchildren. In addition to his devoted wife of 46 years, Irl is survived by his children: Lori Miller, (husband, Derek), Aaron Irl Brooks (wife, Connie) both of Columbia, and Ryan Brooks (wife, Julie) of Salisbury, Missouri; siblings: Ronelle Neperud (husband, Bob) of Kansas City, and Wayne Brooks (wife, Barbara) of Hams Prairie, Missouri; grandchildren: Peyton, Evan, William, and Sam; and his feline friend, "Oliver". He was preceded in death by one grandson, Dane Brooks, and his parents. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 17, 2014, at Memorial Funeral Home, Columbia. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to FFA, Columbia Chapter, 1104 N. Providence, Columbia, Missouri 65203, Attn: Chuck Miller; or to Columbia Second Chance Animal Shelter, 24687 Missouri 179, Boonville, Missouri 65233.