Dennis Brooks

Dennis W. Brooks went to the ultimate fishing hole in the sky that he had heard so much about, on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. He was born in Newkirk, Oklahoma on January 23, 1940, after his mother traveled with her father-in-law by tractor over a field of deep snow, from one grandparent’s home in the country to the other grandparent’s home in the city. Dennis and his parents, Otis Wendell Brooks and Lillian Juanita Marshall Brooks, moved to Wichita, Kansas around 1943. He went to Sunnyside Grade School, Roosevelt Junior High and graduated from East High School. Dennis worked evenings and weekends with his dad in his radio and television repair shop. In 1959, Dennis joined the United States Air Force, serving in Biloxi, Mississippi, where he started a pen-pal relationship with his future bride. He also served in Blytheville, Arkansas, Adana, Turkey, Salina and Wichita, Kansas, and South Korea. In South Korea, Dennis served on the small island of Baengnyeongdo, which the United States Military frequently called Paengnyeongdo or PY-Do. From this installation, he was able to see North Korea. Dennis served eight years in the Air Force as a flight facilities equipment technician then he was Honorably Discharged in 1967 as a Staff Sergeant. He later served in the Army National Guard from 1976 to 1977. Dennis was a member of the American Legion Post #1. Dennis married Kathlyn Roberts on August 7, 1964, in Wichita, celebrating 61 ½ years and two children, Ed (Sheri) and Susan. Later becoming grandfather of two wonderful grandsons, Brady and Tanner. A move from Wichita to Topeka, Kansas, came in April 1968, to become a copy machine repairman. Dennis did this for several years and serviced machines in many offices in Topeka, including the Capital Building and in office buildings in other parts of Eastern Kansas. He worked for the State of Kansas in the planning department, retiring in 2002 Dennis loved the outdoors, with all types of hunting, fishing, camping, as well as travel. He visited all the continents except Africa. Dennis always said it was the people we meet during our travels that made the memories so special. He also bowled and played billiards in several leagues. Dennis loved country music and had volumes of records, tapes and CDs. He was a great troubleshooter and jack of all trades. Celebration of Dennis’ life with Military Honors will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kansas Honor Flight of Wichita and sent in care of the funeral home. Dennis expressed how much he enjoyed the experience during his Honor Flight in 2016 and would like to help other Veterans do the same. Please visit www.kansashonorflight.org to learn more about this all-volunteer organization that honors Veterans. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com

Dennis Brooks

January 23, 1940 - March 18, 2026