With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to a pillar of the Edgewood community, Ben Bernard Brooks, who passed away on May 10, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. He was 86.
Ben’s journey began on March 20, 1938, in the warmth of his family home on E. Oak St. in Edgewood, Texas, born to William Arthur Brooks and Etta Anne Caro Brooks. Raised in the embrace of this tight-knit community, he graduated from Edgewood High School in 1956, marking the beginning of a lifelong commitment to education and service.
On September 9, 1961, Ben married the love of his life, Anne Jones, embarking on a journey of 52 remarkable years until her passing in 2014. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Kristy Martinez and husband Eloy of Canton, TX, and Cheryl Millet and husband Javier of Dallas, TX, who were the pride and joy of his life.
A dedicated educator, Ben pursued higher learning at North Texas State College (now University of North Texas), earning his bachelor’s degree and then onto his master’s degree at East Texas State University (now Texas A&M Commerce). He imparted knowledge and guidance for 31 years within the halls of Sulphur Springs, Edgewood, and Rains Independent School Districts. From coaching track, field, and football to teaching history, government, and driver’s education, Ben’s impact extended far beyond the classroom, shaping countless young minds with wisdom and compassion.
Ben’s faith was the cornerstone of his life, and alongside Anne, he was a devoted member of First Baptist Church in Edgewood, actively involved in the Fidelas Sunday School Class. His commitment to his community was evident in every aspect of his life, from his service within the church to his cherished friendships cultivated over countless conversations at the Lumberyard Café.
Beyond his professional and religious pursuits, Ben found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Whether it was farming the land he loved, embarking on RV adventures with dear friends, or cheering on his grandson David at football games, Ben embraced every moment with a contagious zest for life. His love for Blue Bell Ice Cream was legendary, transforming each scoop into an art form savored by all who knew him.
Ben is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Anne Brooks; his parents, William and Etta Brooks; and his brother Neal Brooks and wife Isabel and his sister Nadine Johnson and husband Gerald. He leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter carried on by his daughters, Kristy and Cheryl, his devoted grandson David, a host of other family and friends and a community forever touched by his presence.
A celebration of Ben’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 17, 2024, at First Baptist Church in Edgewood, with Pastor Larry Jordan officiating. Visitation will precede the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Ben will be laid to rest at Small Cemetery, surrounded by the beauty of the land he called home. Services are under the compassionate direction of Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made in Ben’s memory to the First Baptist Church of Edgewood.