Howard "Dick" Brooks

Howard “Dick” Brooks, August 12, 1930 – November 22, 2019

Visitation will be from 6-7:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at Schooler Funeral Home Brentwood Chapel, 4100 S. Georgia St. Graveside service will be at 10:00 am, Wednesday, November 27, 2019 in Llano Cemetery. Memorial service will follow at 11:00 am at Westminster Presbyterian Church with Rev. Will Esler and Dr. Murray Gossett officiating. Arrangements are by Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 South Georgia.

Dick Brooks was born in Amarillo, Texas on August 12, 1930, and he peacefully passed away in his home the afternoon of November 22, 2019. Summarizing all of his honors, works, and achievements is a difficult task. Choosing the words to describe how he made us all feel unconditionally loved is near impossible. He was a family man, entrepreneur, politician, and minister. He prioritized time with family and lead by example. He ended every interaction - even those with strangers – with the other person feeling loved and important. He can be described as a stalwart, and a patient, joyful, and selfless gentleman. He shared the love and message of Jesus through his actions in his daily life.

Entrepreneur, Leader, Politician, and Minister

His leadership influenced the development of Amarillo during the 1950’s-1970’s. This involved the construction of healthcare centers, mental health facilities, homeless shelters, and the decision to construct Interstate 40 within the city’s limits.

He was president and majority stockholder of Zip Print, Inc., Master’s Press, Inc., and Twinkle Press, Inc. He served as director of First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Amarillo. He was president of Miller National Corporation, and he was the personnel manager for Southwestern Investment Company from 1956 until 1966. He was a member of the Amarillo College Board of Regents, a director for Amarillo Mental Health-Mental Retardation Regional Center, and the Texas Association of Business. He also served as a director of the Amarillo Hospital District, Amarillo Day Nurseries, Amarillo Chamber of Commerce, and the Amarillo Rotary Club. He served as a member of the budget committee for United Way of Amarillo. He was a talented public speaker and was master of ceremonies for many political events. He worked with several high profile politicians such as Republican Party nominee for president of the United States, Barry Goldwater and former Governor of Texas John Connally. He was involved in the ministries of First Presbyterian Church and Westminster Presbyterian Church in Amarillo. He was the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Dalhart, Texas for six years. He always said the most beautiful prayers, and for years he led Bible studies within homes. He also taught the Basic Bible Doctrines course in many churches.

Husband, Father, Grandfather, Role Model, Friend

People mattered most to Dick Brooks. He was a husband, father, grandfather, and surrogate father to so many. He cared about people and the Amarillo community. He helped people find their purpose, made them feel valued, and shared the unconditional love of Jesus. He never used foul language and never said negative things about people. He had a way of staying calm, no matter the intensity of emotions. He was devoted to bringing peace and love into our lives.  He always showed up whether it was a recital, ceremony, or middle school volleyball game. He showed love by being present. He drove from Amarillo to Lubbock in a record-breaking blizzard for his first granddaughter’s birth that took him 6 hours. He made custom pancakes every Saturday morning, often in the shape of dinosaurs or Mickey Mouse. He was a listener and continued to counsel and provide wisdom to those around him. He was quick to forgive and a believer in second chances. He was fun loving and had a sweet joy about him. He was the “cream of the crop”- a phrase he often used to uplift others.

He will be missed tremendously.