LOOGOOTEE — Ralph Lee “Bruce” Brooks, 82, died at 10:30 p.m. Monday at his home.

Born June 28, 1927, in Bradenton, Fla., he was the son of Harry and Maude (Cannon) Brooks.

He attended St. John Catholic Church in Loogootee. He was a World War II and Korean War veteran of the Marine Corps and was stationed at Crane Base.

He is survived by five daughters and sons-in-law, Mary Frances and John Hohl of Huntingburg, Nancy Lynn and Bill Kidwell of Geneva, Ala., Cheryl Ann and Charles Eisele of Charlotte Hall, Md., Theresa “Terri” Jean Buchta of Loogootee, and Sandra Kay and Mark Borders of Jasper; 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; one infant son, Ralph Lee Brooks Jr.; one sister, Christine Parrish; and two brothers, Lloyd and Ernest Brooks.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Friday at St. John Catholic Church in Loogootee.

There will be no visitation. It was Ralph’s wishes that his body be donated to Indiana University Medical Center.

Preferred memorial donations are to the Disabled American Vets.

Arrangements are being made through Brocksmith Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.brocksmithfuneralhomes.com.

(Nov. 2, 2009)