Billy Gene Brooks, of Chandler, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, surrounded by his loving family at the age of 86. He was born on March 1, 1938, in Lawton, Oklahoma, to Lawrence Reeves Brooks and Virgie Marie (Miller) Brooks.

Billy graduated from high school in El Cajon, California, and was later drafted into the United States Army. He honorably served in South Korea, stationed out of Fort Ord, California. Following his military service, Billy worked as a printer in San Diego, California. Over the years, his career evolved to include roles at the Home of Guiding Hands—a disability support service in Lakeside, California, toughed it out working in the oilfield, maintenance at a Vo-Tech, and lastly the courthouse in Mena, Arkansas then retired.

In 1959, Billy met the love of his life, Linda Diane (Huffman), in La Cresta, California. The couple married three years later in March 1962 at the Winter Haven Chapel in California. Together, they celebrated sixty-two beautiful years of marriage at the time of his passing.

Billy’s life was a happy one: family gatherings, attending church, playing his guitar and singing, traveling, gardening, and feeding the deer in his backyard. He also delighted in the companionship of the family dog, Sugar, where they spent peaceful moments watching birds.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Charlie, Lawrence (Butch), Wayne, and Don Brooks; and his sisters, Mae Cottingham, and Goldie Sanders.

Survivors include his wife, Linda; their children, Billy Gene Jr. Brooks and wife Dawn, Michelle James and husband Dale, Thomas Brooks, and Ronda King; eleven grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Billy will be remembered for his warm smile, wonderful sense of humor, his kindness, and deep love for his family. He touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. We love you. 

A memorial service with military honors will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, November 22, 2024 at Lehman Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the direction of Lehman’s Funeral Home in Wellston.