John K. Brooks

John Kenneth Brooks, 89, of North Little Rock, passed away Saturday, July 23, 2016 after a long illness. He was born September 2, 1926 near Empire, Oklahoma to Tina and John Brooks. After a stellar athletic career at Empire High School in which his 440 relay team won in the state championship of 1944, he joined the Army, where he served for two years. He married Mary Virginia Shepherd in 1946 and they recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. A graduate of State College of Arkansas, he devoted his life to education and served as a teacher, coach, principal and secondary school administrator at various schools in Oklahoma and North Little Rock. He received a Master's Degree of Education from the University of Arkansas and was a member of Lakewood United Methodist Church and a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason. He is survived by his beloved wife Virginia; two sons, Jerry of Charlottesville, Va. and Steve of North Little Rock; a grandson, Angus of Charlottesville, Va.; his daughter-in-law Edna of North Little Rock; sister-in-law Helen Robinson of Dallas and several nieces and nephews. He had a wonderful heart, a ready laugh and thoroughly enjoyed traveling the world with his wife, who was for many years a travel agent. They visited almost every state and 43 countries. He said many times "If I died tomorrow I'd have no regrets. I've had a great life!" A lifelong admirer of Mark Twain, he performed in a show before numerous audiences in which he dressed up like the great writer and told stories from his novels and essays. John touched many lives and will be terribly missed. Visitation with the family will be held from 6–8 p.m. Tuesday, July 26th at the Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home with the Funeral Service to follow at 2 p.m. on Wednesday July 27th at the funeral home with burial immediately following. Please sign our online guestbook at www.griffinleggettresthills.com.