Gerald L. Brooks, 73, of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, passed away peacefully at this home surrounded by his family when he went to meet Jesus, his Savior.

Gerald was born March 27, 1949, in Medford, Massachusetts, son of Albert Quincy and Ginette Favreaux Brooks.  He married Susan Wood in 1984.  Gerald was a member of Barney’s Prairie Church serving as teacher, deacon, elder and Chairman of the Board.  He attended Lick Prairie Christian Church for the past several years.

Gerald faithfully served his country for 21 years in the United States Coast Guard.  He was an instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glenco, Georgia, for 20 years.  Gerald accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at North Brunswick Christian Church and served as teacher to various ages.  He started the Brantley County, Georgia, Fire Department and served as chief for a number of years and wrote grants for obtaining trucks and equipment for various fire departments. 

Upon retirement from FLETC, Gerald and Susie renovated and moved to the family farm in Wabash County, Illinois.  He served as fire chief for the Allendale Volunteer Fire Department, coordinator for Wabash Emergency Management Agency, worked for the Wabash County Health Department, was a charter member of Rolling Thunder IL 3 Organization and served as Chairman of the Board.

Gerald was a past commander of the American Legion 423, member of AMVETS, and Coast Guard Investigative Association.  He used his faith as a support in the dark times of his life.  When his diagnosis was made, it could not have been bleaker.  However, the writing of the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:1 gave him comfort, “For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens.” 

The truth he lived by was, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13.  Gerald was truly an unsung hero who always wanted to serve others.

Left to cherish Gerald’s memory are his wife, Susie, and children, Amanda (Todd) Frenier, Erik Wood, Tom Wood, Rachel Galatas, James (Denise) Wood,  David (Rhonda) Wood, eleven grandchildren, one great granddaughter, his siblings Joelle, Carol (Bill) Davis, Patricia of California and Jakki (Lee) Ackman of Arizona, and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Lucy, and daughter Mollie Wood.

A private family graveside service will be held at the Friendsville Cemetery, Friday, March 24, 2023.

Memorials may be made to Lick Prairie Christian Church. Those donations can be made online at Gerald Brooks Memorial Donations , or mailed to Short-Cunningham Funeral Home, P.O. Box 397, Mt. Carmel, IL 62863.

Condolences may be sent to www.short-cunninghamfh.com
Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve Gerald’s family.