Herschel W. Brooks, age 79, of 3705 Biscayne Street, Quincy, died on Thursday, January 15, 2009 at 2:55 p.m. in Blessing Hospital. He was born on August 3, 1929 in Kane, Illinois, the son of Willis and Viola (Woolsey) Brooks. He married Nancy Hagan on April 25, 1953 in Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Monroe City, Missouri, and she survives.

Herschel was a 1948 graduate of Jersey Township High School in Jerseyville, Illinois and he attended Gem City Business College. He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the United States Army as a court reporter. He attained the rank of Sgt. First Class and received a commendation medal for his service.

He was a shoe salesman and worked in downtown Quincy for many years. Later he retired from the Illinois Veterans Home.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Holy Name Society, the 55 And Over Club, and the former St. Dominic Parish (now St. Anthony of Padua Parish). He attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help Novena at St. Boniface for many years.

Herschel loved flower gardening and feeding and watching the birds in his back yard. He also enjoyed walking. He enjoyed socializing at many area church functions, attending theatrical and musical productions, and meeting with his breakfast friends at Hardees. His favorite activity was spending time with his grandchildren, playing, and laughing.

In addition to Nancy, his loving wife of 55 years, he is survived by:
ONE SON: Stephen Brooks and his wife Cathy of Alamo, CA;
ONE DAUGHTER: Nanette Meyer and her husband John of Spring, Texas;
THREE GRANDCHILDREN: Nicholas Brooks, and Christina & Elizabeth Meyer;
TWO SISTERS-IN-LAW: Virginia Brooks & Faye Treat.
Many nieces & nephews also survive.

Herschel was preceded in death by a grandson Andrew Brooks who is an angel in heaven,
his parents, five sisters, Enid Davis, Millie Burch, Geraldine Marshall, Opal Kirby, and Marjorie Brooks, three brothers, Delos, Arnold, & Darrell Brooks.

Herschel put the needs and concerns of others before himself. As most of you know in Quincy and the surrounding area, Herschel was a kind, compassionate, loving, and caring gentleman.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 19, 2009 at 9:15 a.m. in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home and 10:00 a.m. in St. Anthony Catholic Church. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday evening from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home, with a parish prayer service at 5:30 and a Knights of Columbus Service to follow. Memorials may be made to St. Dominic School or Quincy Notre Dame.