Dates
Marvin Brooks, Jr. was born in Huntington West Virginia, July 21, 1930, to Marvin Brooks, Sr. and Vora Mae Bowen Brooks. He reached his eternal resting place at the age of 94 July 11, 2025. Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, and his son, Richard Eugene Brooks, his five brothers and his two sisters. At the young age of 15, he became the head of the household when his dad and twin brothers left to join the Navy and were shipped off to war. He took over the responsibilities of being the man of the house and stayed to take care of his mom and siblings while he worked the jobs his father had in place.
In 1945 they all moved to Kingsville, Texas where he met and married Norma Grace Brister. They were together 72 years until her passing on June 23, 2023. Marvin Joined the Air Force in 1950 and served his country honorably for 21 years. He was a proud dedicated military man. Nicknamed “Shotgun” Brooks by his fellow airmen, he did flight missions all over southeast Asia. He was a flight engineer with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant and put extra fuel in for his wife and children to make sure that they made it safely over the pacific to home. He was flying when they did the nuclear bomb test over Johnson Island. Marvin served three tours overseas which included Vietnam and Thailand. During the Korean War he was stateside. He was honored as a Korean Vet and Vietnam Vet. In his later years he liked to brag that he drew a military retirement check for over 50 years.
Marvin was a 3rd degree Mason and later became a 32nd degree Mason for 73 years and a member of the Scottish Rite for 60 years. He wore many hats working at Carlsbad State School in recreation and then left to move to Hawaii, which was their favorite place to do dry wall with his baby brother Ray David and Harry Brooks. They returned to Kingsville to help with their mother and both worked at Walmart and managed an R.V. Park. He also drove a school bus for 10 years while living there. Marvin and Norma always stayed very busy because his favorite quote was “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop!” They finally retired and moved to Twin Forks Ranch Estates in Leaky, Texas where they ended up working for the water department there. He took care of a Private Cathedral Park making it lush in carpet grass for everyone to enjoy, and he did all that for free! Marvin was looked up to by anyone who knew him, he never met a stranger and was very loved by all! He gave his time and attention effortlessly. He was also very funny, loved to kid around and was quite the entertainer.
Marvin is survived by his children Shorty Brooks (Nancy) and Kathy Joiner Kerr; his grandchildren, Angela Helms (Mike,) Ricky Brooks (Christina,) Jeremy Joiner (Ive,) Israel Joiner (Kaitlyn,) Kasea Woodward (Josh,) Kelsy Kerr Phillips (Trey.) His legacy continues through great and great great grandchildren and his nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Josie and Sabrina for taking such good care of our “Daddy Gangy.” The family will receive friends for visitation prior to the service at 1:00 P.M., Thursday, July 17th at Harper Funeral Home with the service ceremony following at 2:00 P.M. A private burial will take place at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas which will be his 95th birthday. Born July 21, 1930 and laid to rest July 21, 2025. The man was a war hero and a legend!
Rest in Peace “Daddy Gangy!”
Family and friends may share their condolences at www.harper-funeralhome.com.