Harold 'Wayne' Brooks

CARBONDALE – Harold ‘Wayne’ Brooks, 84, of De Soto, Illinois, passed away Wednesday June 6, 2018 in Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.



Wayne was born on Wednesday, October 25, 1933 in Marion, Illinois to John Eugene and Blanche Irene (Tyner) Brooks. He married the love of his life Florence A. Pressy on October 4, 1984 in Carbondale and spent many wonderful years together.



He proudly served our community as a distinguished and devoted firemen for twenty-nine years in the Carbondale Fire Department until his retirement on May 21, 1991. It was so much more than a job for him it was a calling. The entire city and township of Carbondale will miss him forever! Frederic G.W. Fenn in 1878 said in “Ode to our brave Firemen” like Wayne, “But sound aloud the praises, and give the victor-crown, to our noble-hearted Firemen, who fear not danger’s frown.” Wayne was beloved by many and he was a passionate fishermen. Wayne also enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and doing outdoor activities with them.



Survivors include sons, Robert ‘Bob’ and Fiancé Cid Brooks of Carbondale, Bryan and Fiancé Carol Brooks of Colp, and Bill Brooks of Tampa, FL; daughter LaVonna and husband Matt Sedlack of Kenosha, WI; brother John Robert Brooks and sisters Janet Delaney and Betty Donaley; eleven Grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.



Wayne was preceded in death by his parents John and Blanche Brooks; son Gary Brooks and sister-in-law Karen Brooks.



Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 10, 2018 at G. Meredith Funeral Home, Carbondale with officiant Howard Anderson presiding. Burial to follow at Oakland Cemetery. Visitation 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at the funeral home with Carbondale Fire Department Honor Guard present.



Memorials may be given to The Carbondale Firemen’s Auxilliary located at 401 North Glenview in Carbondale to the attention of Kathy of Haldeman. Envelopes will be provided at the funeral home.



Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence, story or memory of Wayne, visit www.meredithfh.com.