In Memory of
Horace "Chief" Brooks
January 23, 1925 - January 20, 2013

In memory of "Chief" Horace Narvel Brooks

January 23, 1925 – January 20, 2013

"I've lived a good life. A long life, anyways."

In his own words, Horace Narvel Brooks lived a good long life that came to a peaceful conclusion on Sunday January 20, 2013.

But as anybody who knew him can attest, his stories, his narrative, his legacy will live on through his bloodline and beyond.

Horace is survived by his wife Harumi Brooks, his children Jane Tanner, Bessie Tolentino, J.C. Brooks, (in his words) "a whole gang of a grandkids:" Andrew, Stephanie, Chloe, Paige, Jeffery, Joseph and Jocelyn, and his great granddaughters Bella, Emiko and Abby.

A man of many names - "Dad," "Gramps," "Grandpa," "PawPaw," - Horace was often referred to as "Chief" - a fitting title for all that he has meant to the many lives he's touched throughout the years.

After joining the U.S. Navy at the age of 17, Horace climbed the ranks during World War II and the Korean War, finally retiring from the military as a Chief Gunner's Mate. Between battles and serving aboard so many ships, he fell in love with his wife Harumi and became a father for a family that would become his inspiration, his source of pride and joy now and forever.

In his retirement, Chief mastered the art of storytelling and preserving his country's history through his own narrative. With his unmistakable southern drawl and Texas twang, Chief swapped stories and told big fish tales about growing up in Jean with friends (and anyone who would listen) at the Carrollton Senior Center.

He also prided himself on bringing history to life at schools throughout the Carrolton-Farmers Branch Independent School District. Each year around Veterans Day, Chief shared many a military story with high school students, imparting wisdom and firsthand experiences beyond textbooks and lesson plans.

On Wednesday, January 23, Horace's family will be celebrating the Chief's birthday with a visitation from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Rhoton Funeral Home in Carrollton, Texas (1511 SE I35, Carrollton, Texas 75006).

The following day, January 24, we will celebrate the Chief's life and legacy with a funeral service at the same location at 11 a.m. After the service, the Chief will receive a full-honor military burial at Hilltop Cemetery (1810 Perry Road, Carrollton, Texas 75006).

On behalf of the Chief, anyone and everyone is welcomed to attend