Tom W. Brooks

Tom Brooks, 84, of New Port Richey, Florida, passed away on February 19th, 2022. Thomas Walter Brooks was born on September 28, 1937, in Heron Lake, Minnesota and was the second of six children born to Walter and Beatrice Brooks. He graduated from St. Anne's High School in Wabasso, Minnesota in 1955. After high school, he joined the Army and spent most of his military career in Germany.

Tom married his wife, Karen “Jane” Brooks on January 23rd, 1981.

He spent over 40 years in the automotive industry and retired as a Service Manager. His integrity and knowledge were well respected.

Tom also had a passion for construction and woodworking. Over the years, Tom remodeled many homes, including his own and those of many friends.  His love of woodworking was evident in the many projects he made for his loved ones that are now being passed down through generations. Tom took great pride in his projects, but possibly even more pride in helping those he loved. He was always willing to lend a hand and enjoyed seeing the finished project.

Tom spent most of his adult life in the Kansas City area. After retiring in 2006, he and Jane moved to Hermitage, Missouri, where they laid down roots among the tall hickories of their property. They loved to travel and fish. They bought a fifth wheel camper and became snowbirds, traveling to many states including Texas and Florida. After spending nine years in Hermitage where they made many lifelong friends and worked diligently at their church, they took a leap of faith and bought their dream home in New Port Richey, Florida, where they lived their best days together in the sun.

Tom and Jane thrived in Florida. Guided by their deep faith, they became   involved in their church and community. Jane kept Tom busy with projects and remodeling that he continued to do until his last days. They spent countless hours on the front porch and their beautiful backyard oasis, enjoying the birds, trees and sunsets.

 He is survived by his wife, Karen Jane Brooks of the home: five sons, Benji Brooks of Harrisonville, Missouri and Rick (Kris, deceased) Brooks of Nixa, Missouri, Brad Harrison (Joleen) of Des Moines, Iowa, Todd Harrison (Terry) of Cleveland, Missouri, Ben Tarwater (Shari) of Olathe, Kansas; sisters Janice (Howard) Sage of Boise, Idaho and Bonnie Bothe of Lincoln, Nebraska. He also leaves his 8 grandchildren, Karla (Eric) Wehmueller, Brandon (Heidi) Harrison, Kirsti (Daniel, deceased) Parsons, Jordan Harrison, Trent (Katie) Harrison, Janelle Harrison, Quinn Tarwater and Leah Tarwater. Also surviving him are his 10 great-grandchildren, and 4 nieces and 4 nephews, and his little dog, Charlie.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Joanne Ohnstad, brothers Leo Brooks and Gale Brooks, a daughter-in-law, a grandson, two nieces and one nephew.

Funeral services will be held  2 p.m. Saturday, March 19, 2022 at Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, 325 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas with inurnment following at the Highland Cemetery in Ottawa.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society and sent in care to the Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 14, Ottawa, KS 66067. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com.

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