He was born in Sailor Springs, Illinois, to Otis Edwin Brooks and Idelle Miller Brooks. He was married on September 1, 1973 in Olney, Illinois to Jane Ann Drury who survives at the home. Other survivors include two sons, Anthony E. Brooks, and Mark D. Brooks, both of Jefferson City. He served as an editor with Rough Notes Publishing Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, for several years. He later served as a media coordinator with the Missouri Division of Tourism until his retirement in 1998. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society, 2932 Mohawk, Jefferson City, MO 65101. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran and a member of the Capital City Christian Church. He was a graduate of Sailor Springs High School and attended Eastern Illinois University.