Joe Don Brooks

Joe Donald Brooks was greeted in heaven on May 19, 2023, by his wife of 64 years, Patricia Beauchamp Brooks. Joe Don passed away in Covenant Hospital, Lubbock, Texas after complications from Myasthenia Gravis. Joe Don was born at home on May 13th, 1933, to Calvin and Roxie (Peay) Brooks in Stewart, Texas (name changed later to Hackberry Texas) in Southeast Cottle County.

     Baptized in 1947, a lifelong member of Paducah First Baptist Church where he introduced many kids who sat by him on the back pew how to draw horses. After Joe graduated from Paducah High School in 1952, he attended West Texas State College in Canyon, Texas for 2 years before he was needed back on the family farm. While in college he was on the NIRA college rodeo team. He continued to rodeo and worked in the oil fields of West Texas.  After suffering a broken back and neck in a major oilfield accident, he returned to Paducah to recuperate and then high school senior Patricia Beauchamp caught his eye. They married in 1958 and had three children, Delisa Dawn, Calvin Chris, and Bradley Don. Joe had many talents. He loved to draw, especially horses.  He enjoyed taxidermy, training horses and bird dogs and hunting.

     Joe was named ATA Trap Shooters Rookie of the Year in 1971. He was ranked in the top 5 in Texas and top 40 in the nation. Joe Don is inducted into the ATA Trap Shooting Hall of Fame. He coached many trap shooters including the 4-H Trap Team.  Joe was a Mason for more than 65 years. He farmed and ranched all his life.  He was co-owner of Brooks Grain Elevator and Delinting Plant with his Dad. Joe was employed as a Manager for 36 years with the Texas Employment Commission, was a Founding member of the Paducah Rod and Gun Club, Senior Citizens and Meals on Wheels, Paducah Industrial Board. Groundbreaking Boards for Copper Breaks State Park, Migrant Housing, Vernon Mental Health Facility. He was also a member of the Jaycees and Lions Club.

     He will be remembered for his teasing jokes, entertaining stories, unfailing work ethic, Cottle County history, mischievous sense of humor, epitome of wisdom and love of family.

     Joe is preceded in death by his wife Patricia, son Chris and son-in-law Gus Timmon, Siblings; Anna V. Mayes, J.W. and Delwin Brooks, Bobby Lea Holley. Survived by his children Delisa Piper (Steve), Brad Brooks (Terri), Grandchildren; Tiffany Seal (Caleb), Tara Sandusky (Jay), Tess McCown (Jordan), Tanner Brown (Heather), Josh Brown, Great grandchildren; Gavin, Payton, Haven, Ethan Gus Seal, Jarek and Audra Sandusky; Jax McCown; Taylor, Hadley, and Hunter Brown,  A wealth of nieces, nephews, cousins, great friends, hunting buddies and coffee drinkers.

"When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground"