Owen S. Brooks, Jr., 83, who served as a Milford City Councilman for 38 years, passed away at Delaware Hospice Center on July 9. Brooks led a life of service and dedication to his family.
Born on November 10, 1941, Brooks graduated from Milford High School in 1959. He met his wife, Rose, on Thanksgiving Day 1960, a story his obituary called the beginning of a “wonderful romance.”
“Owen wasn’t going to the high school football game that day, but he saw two friends at a store that talked him into attending the game,” the obituary read. “It was there that Rose saw him from a distance and pointed him out to a mutual friend, Jeanie Betts Fitzgerald, who intervened. Owen and Rose married on July 23, 1961, and were married for 63 years.”
Brooks began working at the age of 12 with one of his first jobs at Cleaver’s Grocery store. He worked at Jewell’s Grocery Store, driving the delivery truck where he developed many lifelong friendships. After working at Sussex Company in Milford, he took a job at DuPont’s in Seaford where he worked for 36 years.
Brooks was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church in Milford. In the 1960s, Brooks was a member of the Carlisle Fire Company, resigning after accepting the position at DuPont. He continued fire service by serving on the fire brigade at DuPont for 18 years until his job duties intervened.
A beloved coach, many in Milford remember him as their leader in Parks and Recreation basketball, but especially with Little League where he coached baseball for 53 years. He also coached one year of softball. His most treasured coaching years were alongside his brother, Larry, his son, Dion, and his son-in-law, Wes.
Brooks coached many winning seasons, including All-Star teams and the 2003 Milford Senior League State Championship team. He served as the tournament director for many years and was honored with the William E. Morris Award for dedication to the program. IN April 2004, the Milford Senior League baseball field was named “Brooks Field” in his honor.
In addition to serving for 38 years representing the 3rd Ward in Milford, Brooks also served as Vice-Mayor for 18 of his years on council.
When not serving with the city or coaching baseball, Brooks loved spending time with family and his beloved dog, Zuma. A dedicated Orioles fan, Brooks could be seen around town wearing his Orioles jacket or hat – or both. Until his health no longer allowed him to do so, Brooks loved working in his yard and often assisted his neighbors when they could not do their own yardwork.
“We all knew Mr. Brooks in different ways and both he and Rose left a lasting impact on so many lives,” Representative Bryan Shupe posted on social media. “I first knew him growing up on the Little League field – he was always out there, coaching helping and supporting the kids. But I truly got to know the man when I served as mayor and was blesses to work alongside him on Milford City Council. Mr. Brooks was a steady presence – always available, always thoughtful. He had a way of connecting the present to our past, showing me why things were done the way they were in Milford, how they tied to our heritage and why it mattered to carry those traditions forward. Thank you, Mr. Brooks, for your unwavering love and service to our community. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.”
The City of Milford also extended its condolences to the family.
“We join the Milford community in mourning the loss of Owen Brooks,” their social media read. “A proud lifelong resident of Milford, Owen dedicated his life to public service, including 38 years on Milford City Council and 18 years as Vice-Mayor. His leadership helped guide our city through decades of growth and change. Owen’s kindness, integrity and unwavering commitment to Milford will not be forgotten. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Brooks family and all who were touched by his life.”
Brooks is survived by his son and his wife, Dion and Kim; his daughter and her husband, Diane and Mark Revel; his daughter and her husband, Diane and Wes Spruill and his brother, Larry. He is also survived by his grandchildren Anthony Brooks, Derrick Brooks, Meghan Shirkey, Mallory Revel, Ashley McCaa and Alexis Spruill along with great-grandchildren, Karli Rose Shirkey, Owen Max Shirkey, Nolan McCaa and Sebastian Passwaters.
He was preceded in death by his wife Rose Anne Lufsey Brooks; his infant daughter, Dina Rose Brooks; his parents Owen S. Brooks Sr. and Madeline Phillips Brooks; his sister, Dorothy “Dot” Clendaniel and his brother, Michael Brooks.
Friends and family may call on Tuesday, July 15 from 10 AM to 12 Noon in the chapel of the Berry-Short Funeral Home, 119 NW Front Street in Milford. A funeral service will immediately follow at 12 Noon with interment at the Milford Community Cemetery on Walnut Street. Flowers are accepted or donations can be made to a local animal rescue or Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford DE 19963.
The family would like to express their gratitude for the many kind words, thoughts and prayers they have received during the past few months and to the staff of Dr. Ray Bologna’s office, Dr. Iftekhar Kahn’s office, Milford Memorial Hospital and Delaware Hospice Center.
