Born February 13, 1927, in Randlett, Oklahoma, and passing away on August 11, 2023, Elmer E. "Buddy" Brooks was a lifelong resident of Wichita Falls and attended Wichita Falls public schools.

A short prayer service and visitation will be held at Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home at 6:00 PM on Thursday, August 17, 2023.  The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, August 18, 2023, at Our Lady Queen of Peace with Father Kyle Walterscheid and Deacon Jim Bindel officiating.  The Rite of Committal will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Electra, Texas, under the direction of Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home.

Buddy's early years were spent exploring, playing and swimming in and around the Wichita River.  He enjoyed participating in the many activities offered at the Wichita Falls Boys Club.  There he acquired a lifelong love for the sport of boxing.  He was always grateful for the guidance and opportunities provided by the Boys Club.  In his early teens, he worked along with his mother at Levi Strauss assisting with the production of Army fatigues during World War II.  At the age of 18, he entered basic training in the army.  He was scheduled to participate in the invasion of Japan.  Fortunately, the war ended, and he was sent to Seoul, Korea.  There he worked in administration processing soldiers returning home to the United States.

After his service in the Army, Buddy returned to Wichita Falls where he met and fell in love with Rosemary Roessler of Electra, Texas. They resided in Wichita Falls where they raised their three children.  In the early years of their marriage, he worked at Sprague Electric and Joe Adair Refrigeration & Heating.  Later, he started his own company, Brooks Refrigeration & Heating. Buddy dedicated himself to his business and serving his many loyal customers.  He was involved in his children's many activities and especially enjoyed being a Cub Master while his son was in Cub Scouts. Bud and Rosemary were founding members of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church.

Buddy and Rosemary spent many years square dancing and round dancing where they made many cherished friendships.  They were also past presidents of the Road Runners Square Dance Club and the Red River Valley Dance Association.  Other activities they enjoyed together were water skiing, camping and snow skiing with their family.  Buddy continued water and snow skiing until the age of 79.  In their later years, they spent many Friday evenings dancing at the Senior Zone.  After Rosemary's stroke, Buddy faithfully cared for her until her passing.  With the support and encouragement of his friends, he continued dancing at the Senior Zone where he met Mary Ann Nolen and fell in love again.  Together they found joy and love in their golden years while they continued dancing and enjoying their families and friends.

Buddy is survived by his three children and their spouses, Janice and George Edgley of Frisco, Texas; Gary and Carol Brooks of Yukon, Oklahoma; and Cindy and David Mannas of Durango, Colorado.  He loved and adored his seven grandchildren Lisa West, Amy Brooks Martindale, Traci Brooks Sweatt, Dr. Jonathan Mannas, Dr. Daniel Mannas, Michael Mannas and Dr. Stephen Mannas.  Buddy was also blessed with 13 great grandchildren.

The family would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to Mary Ann Nolen, Max and Helen Yancy, Royal Estates, Best Care, and Hospice of Wichita Falls.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the new Our Lady Queen of Peace Family Life Center, 4040 York Street, Wichita Falls, Texas 76309 or Hospice of Wichita Falls, 4909 Johnson Road, Wichita Falls, Texas 76310.