William Brooke, Jr

Biography

Bill T. Brooke (William Thomas Brooke, Jr. 16 February 1920 – 4 January 2015). From Beaver, Utah to military service in WWII in Europe, to Phoenix, Arizona and onto Bountiful, Utah service selflessly rendered for the love of others and a deep testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, it was a life well lived based on duty, honor, compassion, humor and a sense of gratitude.
Dad was born 16 February 1920 in Beaver, Utah. Raised by a loving and courageous single Mother (Bernice Murdock Brooke) and with three sisters in the household (Betty, Catherine (“Bob”) and Mary Ellen), Dad learned his first lessons of duty to family, responsibility and the need to share what little or much he had with others. Another sister, Victoria, died at birth. During his youth, he ran horse-strings for survey crews, worked on ranches, sold fruit and held other jobs to help his family. During high school, he was the Utah State High School Champion for the 440-yard dash and played in the finals of the LDS-Church basketball tournament.
After high school, in answer to the call of his country, he joined the Utah National Guard and served in the European Theater (ETO3-stripes). Highly decorated, including the Bronze Star, his last service was as Senior Sargent Major in the combat Third Army Battalion Headquarters serving directly under General George S. Patton, Jr. Dad always spoke highly of General Patton and treasured this association. After an honorable discharge from the Army, Dad spent several years in Hollywood under contract as a stunt man in Gene Autry and Roy Rogers movies. Dad was an excellent horseman and enjoyed this respite from the rigors of the War.
Leaving Hollywood, Dad began a career with the Bureau of Reclamation and moved to Phoenix, Arizona. After retiring from the Bureau, Dad joined Franzoy, Corey and worked there for several years. On 22 December 1949, Dad married Edna Mae Shurtliff in Phoenix, Arizona. 9 July 1975 they were sealed in the Mesa Arizona Temple. After retirement, Mom and Dad served two missions in the Phoenix LDS Employment Center and a mission at the Family History Center in Mesa. Mom died on 30 December 2013 leaving a large hole in his heart, only repaired now as they are together for all eternity.
In 1951, their only child, John C Brooke, was born. As John’s family began and grew, each new member was joyfully received by Mom and Dad with love and immediately cherished.
In 2000, Dad and Mom followed John and his family to Bountiful, Utah and started a rich new life as members of the Bountiful 54th Ward.
Dad is survived by his son, John (Nevi Horne) Brooke of Bountiful, 5 grandchildren: Bonnie (Brett) Humphrey in Tokyo, Japan; William Brooke in Seattle, WA; Justin (Tiffaney) Brooke in Maui, HI; Heather (Zach) Sims in Lubbock, TX; Callie (Dallin) Holt in Hewitt, TX; 12 great-grandchildren and two nieces.
An evening viewing will be held Wednesday 7 January 2015 from 6.00pm to 8.00pm at Russon Brothers Mortuary (295 North Main; Bountiful, Utah). Funeral services will be held Thursday 8 January 2015 at 11.00am at the Bountiful 54th Ward building (540 North 1200 East; Bountiful, Utah) with a viewing before the service from 9.45am to 10.45am. Interment will be 9 January 2015 at 12.00pm (noon) in Beaver, Utah.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the LDS Church Perpetual Education Fund. Dad and Mom stressed education and helped many family and non-family members obtain higher education and technical degrees.

Funeral Service

Thursday January 8, 2015, 11:00 at Bountiful 54th Ward
Click for Map and Directions

An evening viewing will be held Wednesday 7 January 2015 from 6.00pm to 8.00pm at Russon Brothers Mortuary (295 North Main; Bountiful, Utah). Funeral services will be held Thursday 8 January 2015 at 11.00am at the Bountiful 54th Ward building (540 North 1200 East; Bountiful, Utah) with a viewing before the service from 9.45am to 10.45am. Interment will be 9 January 2015 at 12.00pm (noon) in Beaver, Utah.