Carl Edmond Brooks
Heaven just got sweeter as Carl Edmond Brooks “Pa” waltzed through the pearly gates on March 1, 2020, leaving behind 45 members of his boisterous and loving family that will miss him terribly.
When God said, "Go forth and multiply", Carl, being a man of the Air Force, took that as direct orders. He and his wife of 65 years had five children and began a family tree that resulted in a family forest.
Carl was quick-witted, inclusive of everyone in his path, and kept everyone guessing what he would say next. He spent his life loving his wife, family, church and anyone in need of a good laugh. He will always be known for his zeal for life and never lacking for a good clean joke.
Carl was born in Buhl, Idaho, on Dec. 5, 1931, the son of Oscar and Eunice (Dorman) Brooks. Later his family moved to Portland, Or., where he completed school and entered the Air Force. Initially he was sent to Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage Alaska, then to McGhee Tyson AFB near Knoxville. It was here that he would meet the love of his life Mary Frances Slagle on a blind date. After marriage, he was transferred to Flintstone Air Force Station on Lookout Mountain where he and Mary would live in Lookout Valley, making this their forever home and raise their five children. Carl worked for National Life and American General Insurance, retiring after 38 years as general manager and then continued to consult part-time up into his 80’s. He was a faithful member of Wauhatchie United Methodist Church for 59 years where he served in a multitude of capacities including Sunday School teacher, song leader, youth leader and Administrative Council chair.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Gregory Steven Brooks; brothers and sisters, Ruth, Helen, Herbert, Jim, Catherine, Dorothy and David; favorite parent in-laws Connie and Eula Slagle.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Frances Slagle Brooks, his children, Melia (Eddie) Reeves, Barry (Alyce) Brooks, Mary Jane (Stuart) Goza and Susan (Randy) O’Mary; 11 grandchildren and their spouses; 16 great-grandchildren; and many dear, beloved family members across the country.
The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and staff of Life Care of East Ridge, Memorial Hospital and Hearth Hospice for their extraordinary care over the past few weeks.
Memorial gifts can be made to Wauhatchie United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 3401 Cummings Highway, Chattanooga, Tn. 37419.
Visitation will be held at Chattanooga Funeral Home, East Chapel on Wednesday, March 4, from 4-8 p.m. and from 12:30-2 p.m. on Thursday at the church.
Services will be held on Thursday, March 5, at Wauhatchie United Methodist Church at 2 p.m. with Pastor Tommy Messer officiating.
Please share your thoughts and memories of Carl at www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com.
Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 404 S. Moore Road, East Ridge, Tn. 37412.