Robert E. Brooks

A private graveside service will be held for Mr. Brooks at Garland Brook Cemetery Robert Emil Brooks, age 89, of Columbus died peacefully at 5:25 a.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2015 at Four Seasons Retirement Center. He was born August 15, 1925 in Bartholomew County to Harry E. and Grace Wagner Brooks. He graduated from Columbus High School on June 1, 1944. He enlisted in the United States Army as an Armorer Gunner and Aircorps Supply Sgt. He served in Rhineland Central Europe Air Combat and was honorably discharged on December 8, 1945. Mr. Brooks married Ila Mae Akers on June 4, 1945 in Topeka, Kansas and she preceded him in death on September 12, 2012. Mr. Brooks retired from American Patterns in Indianapolis and was a Fifty Year Veteran of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. He had previously been an active member of First Christian Church in Columbus. He enjoyed working outside, building model airplanes and spending time with family and friends. Bob and Ila Mae enjoyed spending many meals at Kramers with family and friends though out the years. He was a wonderful father, grandfather and great grandfather as well as friend and neighbor to many. Survivors include daughters, Roselyn (Brooks) Sites of Indianapolis and Christine (John) East of Shelbyville; grandchildren, Krista (Todd) Layfield of Indianapolis, Jon R. (Allissa) Chambers of Columbus, and Joseph M. (Angie) Chambers of Hope; six great grandchildren, Christopher and Michael Layfield, Austin and Ashley Chambers and Tyler and Atallie ; and one brother Rev. Clarence J. Brooks of Kentucky. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents; brothers, Willard E. Brooks and Rev. Harry Brooks Jr.; and a sister, Roselyn Zaharako.