Lt Frans Oscar Brooks, USN, Ret.

Lieutenant Frans Oscar Brooks, age 92, on Saturday, June 8, set sail under fair skies, favorable winds and following seas for his Christian home. His arrival at the eternal destination was assured years earlier when he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior. Preceding him in death was loving wife of 34 years, Oniece Cook Brooks; his parents, William Frans and Mary Alta Brooks and his younger brother, Colonel William Orin Brooks, USAF, Retired. Survivors are his son, Frans Thomas Brooks (daughter-in-law, Michelle H. Brooks); daughter, Pamela McKinney (son-in-law. Jeffrey McKinney); two grandchildren, Tiffany McKinney and Brooks McKinney; one great-grandchild, Brayden Brooks McKinney; two sisters, Oleita Brooks Cook (Robert E. Cook) and Doris Brooks Ward (CDR Robert B. Ward) and sister-in-law, Jean Ward Brooks. Also mourning his passing are his many nephews, nieces and close friends. Oscar was a native Pensacolian, reaching maturity during the great depression. He was tempered with character, perseverance, work ethic, a can do attitude and a strong love of God, Family and Country. He was a member of Lakeview Baptist Church. He joined the Navy in 1940 and quickly showed his ability by advancing to Chief Petty Officer before he had his first 4 year hash mark (known as a slick arm chief). Oscar enlisted as a fireman apprentice and retired as a line Lieutenant after passing through all enlisted and warrant grades. He served in many commands during his 28 year career including: USS Hogan (DD-198) providing destroyer escort for North Atlantic convoys. In 1942 he started his aviation career with Patrol Squadron 83 stationed in Brazil. He served as crew chief, aircraft mechanic and beach master. This squadron made 21 attacks on German submarines sending many to the bottom. One night, while working on a PBY, he was approached by Admiral Ingram, Commander in Chief, South Atlantic. When asked how things were going, Oscar replied “it would go a lot better if we had some decent tools”. The next day, Oscar was sent to Trinidad returning with 14 complete tool boxes, one for each assigned aircraft and two spares. When stationed in Bermuda, he observed a Navy patrol aircraft crash off the coast. He directed a group of Navy divers to the spot where the plane was recovered. He was awarded a letter of commendation from CINC SOUTH. Often he was in the right place at the right time. On one occasion, while serving as Crash & Rescue Officer, he rescued a pilot from a crashed plane at NAS Corry Field. Later the pilot remarked, “when I saw LT Brooks with a fire axe, I knew I would be OK”. Other commands included USS Susian (AVP-54), NAS Saufley Field, NAS Baren Field, USS Rendova (CVE-114), NAS Norfolk, NAS Agana, Guam, Patrol Squadron 16 (VP-16) and Training Squadron One (VT-1). He was qualified as Officer of the Deck underway. Decorations include the Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Medal, National Defense Medal, Navy Occupation Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Medal, China Service Medal and World War II Victory Medal. After retiring from the Navy, he earned an AA degree from Pensacola Junior College and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of West Florida. He spent several years teaching industrial arts at Brownsville Middle School and Escambia High School. Oscar could do anything. He could draw plans for a home, build a home (his), design and build a boat (motor vessel Pirate), rebuild Diesel and gasoline engines, cook meals for a hundred people and grow a garden. His expertise was essential in helping his brother, sister, nephew, and daughter build their homes. He was always willing to help. He was a 32nd degree Mason and was twice Master of the Myrtle Grove Lodge. He also served as Grand Master, District two. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman. After age 70, he made five salmon fishing trips to Alaska. He was a wonderful husband, father, uncle, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be greatly missed. Visitation will be on Tuesday, June 11, 2013 from 10:00am until 11:00am at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at 11:00am at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South with Reverend Charles Mitchell officiating. Burial will follow at Pensacola Memorial Gardens. Farewell Father, Brother, Uncle, Granddad and Great-Granddad. We love you. FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME SOUTH, 100 Beverly Parkway, Pensacola, FL is in charge of arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.com.

Tributes

Lt Frans Oscar Brooks, USN, Ret.

May 3, 1921 - June 8, 2013