Tommy Joe Brooks, 73, passed away surrounded by the love of family and the memories of a life dedicated to service, sacrifice, and kindness. Tommy was born on June 1, 1952, in Falls City, Nebraska to Keith Robert Brooks and Wilma Jane Brooks.

Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, Keith Robert Brooks and Wilma Jane Brooks; his brothers Donald Brooks and Mark Brooks; his sister Janet Cobb; his nephews Keith Brooks, son of Donald Brooks, and Christopher Brooks, son of Ronald and Gloria Brooks; and twin babies lost by Ronald and Gloria Brooks.

He is survived by his sister Sharon Brooks; his brother and sister-in-law Ronald and Gloria Brooks; and a large loving family of nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and great-grandnieces and nephews including Heather Harris and her son Jhonathin Olmstead; Matthew and Jordan Harris and their children Zoey, Theodore, and Lyra; Marissa and Michael Dansereau; Chari and Brittney Pratt and their son Dontae Pratt; Jessica and Sheldon Ryan and their children Katelyn Schield, Collin Schield, Bailee Ryan, and Maya Ryan; Crystal Pratt and her children James Miller and Scarlet Pratt; Angelina and Daniel Boettcher; Natasha and Tristin Leach and their children Paisley and Brynlee Leach; Nathan and Alexus Chambliss; Sabina and Isaac Viss and their son Anthony Viss; and Seth and Mullen Boettcher.

Though Tommy never married and had no children of his own, he became a father figure, grandfather figure, protector, and role model to many throughout his life. Family was always at the center of who he was.

Tommy proudly served in the United States Army before receiving an honorable discharge following the passing of his father. He returned home to California to help care for his mother, Wilma, and his younger siblings Sharon, Mark, and Ronald — a decision that reflected the selfless and dependable man he would always remain.

In 1989, Tommy and his mother relocated to Rimrock, where Tommy dedicated much of his life to serving his community. He worked dispatch for the Camp Verde Marshal’s Office, volunteered as a firefighter and EMT for the Rimrock and Lake Montezuma Fire Department, and later worked as an ER Clerk for Marcus J. Lawrence Memorial Hospital, now known as Verde Valley Medical Center, until his retirement in 2009.

Following the passing of his beloved mother in 2017, Tommy moved in with his sister Sharon, where he continued spending his days surrounded by the people he loved most.

Tommy found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved fishing, cheering on the Arizona Diamondbacks, playing card games like Nasty Neighbor, playing marbles, sharing stories, and enjoying a cold beer or strawberry daiquiri with family and friends. His laughter, loyalty, and steady presence will be deeply missed by everyone fortunate enough to know him.

More than anything, Tommy loved his family. His life was defined not by wealth or recognition, but by quiet sacrifice, unwavering support, and the countless ways he showed up for the people he loved. His memory will live on in every family gathering, every shared laugh, every card game, and every story told about “Uncle Joe.”

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.