Joseph Delbert Brooks

Joseph Delbert Brooks, 83, of Shinnston, passed away on Monday, January 17, 2022 at Stonerise of Bridgeport.  He was born in Kansas City, KS on December 1, 1938, son of the late Joseph Nathan and Minnie Elizabeth (Cash) Brooks.

He proudly served in The United States Navy for 21 years.  Joseph served as an aviation machinist mate, achieving the rank of Petty Officer 1st Class (ADJ 1).  He repaired, and later instructed others to repair, jet aircraft in the US Navy’s 2nd oldest fighter squadron, FA-31, The Fighting 31st “Tomcatters”.  He was also a SYS ORG maintenance tech, a work center supervisor and motorcycle defense driving course instructor.

Joseph was a motor repairman and worked for Lumberport Shinnston Gas. He loved to hunt and fish.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 31, Fleet Reserve Association branch 33, National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association, WV State Muzzle Loading Association, Appalachian Rangers (past President), State Representative for Appalachian Rangers to the WV State Muzzle Loading Association, Women’s Club of Shinnston, Lumberport Lions Club, an honorary member of the Middle Island Longbeards Chapter of the NWTF and in the Fur-Trade Rendezvous Club.

Joseph is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sulayne Elinor (Hornor) Brooks of Shinnston; one daughter, Debra Lynn Marion and husband Robert of The Villages, FL; three grandsons:  Jeffrey Adam Benbenek and wife Kaitlin, and their son Connor, of Dunnellon, FL, Larry Allen Benbenek and wife Tatiana, and their children, Shelby and Charlie, of Bratislava, Slovakia and Joseph Benbenek and wife Sonya of Virginia Beach, VA; one sister, Susan Kronsage and husband William of Montgomery, TX; one sister-in-law, Mary Brooks of Montgomery, TX as well as several nieces and nephews. “Adopted daughter”, Amy Wilson and husband Chad, and their children, of Shinnston. Three special friends:  Larry “Wop” Livingstone and wife Linda of Perkiomenville, PA, Bob Leasure and wife Debbie of Alma, and Charles Enich and wife Donna of Middlebourne.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by one brother, Edgar Nathan “Pete” Brooks. 

Family will receive friends at Dorsey Funeral Home, 701 S. Pike St., Shinnston, WV, on Friday, January 21, 2022 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.  Service will be Saturday, January 22, 2022 at 11:00am with Pastor Chad Hutson officiating.  Entombment will follow at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens.  

Military Honors will be provided by the US Navy and Harrison County National Guard.

Dorsey Funeral Home is honored to be handling the arrangements for the Brooks family.

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