George Joseph Brooks

George J. Brooks, 88, of Silver Lake, KS, passed away, Saturday, August 11, 2012 at Midland Care Hospice, in Topeka, KS. George was born February 14, 1924, in Salina, KS, the son of Samuel R. and Agnes V. (Spacek) Brooks. He graduated from Silver Lake High School in 1942 before joining the military. George was a P51 Mustang fighter pilot during World War II, fighting in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe. George was a recipient of the Purple Heart due to his injuries sustained after being shot down over France on August 13, 1944. He also served in the Korean Conflict. After the military George returned home where he worked for the United States Postal Service in Topeka. On November 22, 1947, George married Norma R. Dinkle, in Topeka. She survives of the home. George was a member of American Legion Post #160, of Silver Lake, KS, Air Forces Escape & Evasion Society, P51 Mustang Pilots Association, the Caterpillar Association and the 5th Armored Division Association. He enjoyed building and flying airplanes for enjoyment, fishing and hunting, and attending his children’s sports activities. Among George’s other survivors are his 3 daughters: Karen Fletcher of Fountain Hills, AZ and her children: Heather Wilson (Rob) and Jason McRoberts; Martine Stephan (Craig) of Scottsdale, AZ and her son: Beau Yeoman and Kim Martin (Lawrence) of Auburn, KS and their children: Luke, Reily and Jayde Martin; 2 sons: Rodney Brooks (Brenda) of Boise, ID and their sons: Mitchell and Andrew Brooks and Dudley Brooks (Melody) of Lees Summit, MO and their daughter: Megan Brooks; 2 sisters: Dorothy David (Maynard) of Florida and Marcia Anderson (Hap) of Silver Lake; 1 brother: Samuel Brooks (Wilma) of Missouri; 1 sister in-law: Kay Brooks of Topeka and 2 great-grandchildren. George was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers: Robert and Larry and 2 sisters: Anna and Mildred. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 14, 2012 at the Belvue Township Cemetery, Belvue, KS, with full military honors. A visitation for George will be held prior to his graveside service at 9:30 a.m. at the Stewart Funeral Home, Wamego. A luncheon will be served at Bethel Community Church, 6944 NW Landon Rd., Topeka, KS, following the graveside service. Memorials are suggested to the American Legion Post #160, 422 Aquarius, Silver Lake, KS, 66539 or may also be left in care of the Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego, KS, PO Box 48, 66547.