AUBURN, Mass.-Keith E. Brooks Sr., 77, of Auburn passed away on Sept. 29, 2009, at home surrounded by his family.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Dorothy (Clarke) Brooks; and his three children, Keith Brooks Jr. and his wife Denise of Oxford, Karen Pendergast and her husband John of Leicester, and Deborah Sheridan and her companion Joseph Dell'Ovo of Auburn. He also leaves six grandchildren, Keith Brooks III, Dawn Brooks, Bill Sheridan, Sara (Sheridan) Crowley, Katie Pendergast and Kayla Pendergast; a great-grandson Matthew Patrick Crowley. He was also looking forward to his second great-grandchild "baby Crowley" in March.

Mr. Brooks was born in Leetonia, Ohio. He was the son of the late Herbert and Irene (McDonald) Brooks. He leaves nine brothers and sisters, Marlene White of Rutland, Ronald Brooks, Daryl Brooks, David Brooks, Beverly Griffith, Donna Buffone, Bette Getz, Peggy Berg and Glenna Flick, all of Ohio; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded by four brothers, Richard Brooks of Webster, and Franklin Brooks, James Brooks, and Jackie Brooks, all of Ohio.

Mr. Brooks was a veteran of the United States Army, and served in the Korean War. He received the Purple Heart in honor of his service. After leaving the Army, Keith owned and operated several service stations within the Worcester area. Upon retirement, he remained active, swimming every morning at the Worcester Fitness Club.

He also enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and friends. He especially enjoyed spending time with his great-grandson.

Keith was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Auburn, as well as the Veterans of Foreign Wars Association (VFW), American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

Calling hours were held from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 2 at Britton Wallace Funeral Home, 91 Central St., Auburn.

The funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 3 at Bethel Lutheran Church, 90 Bryn Mawr Ave., Auburn.

Burial was held at noon Oct. 3 at Hillside Cemetery in Auburn.

Memorial donations in Keith's memory may be made to UMass Memorial Home Health and Hospice, P.O. Box 2795, Worcester, Mass. 01613 or to Bethel Lutheran Church, 90 Bryn Mawr Ave., Auburn, Mass. 01501.

12/4/09

(Paid obituary)