BETHEL – Born in Bethel, on Feb. 24, 1929, to Alice (Joy) and D. Grover Brooks, Don attended Gould Academy (‘46), where he was captain of the football team. Don continued his education at the University of Maine at Orono, earning a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1950, before completing OCS with the U.S. Army. After receiving an honorable discharge as 1st Lieutenant in 1956, he returned to Bethel and married Eleanor (Sumner) Brooks. For nearly 50 years, he worked long hours meeting the greater Bethel area’s plumbing and heating needs, as co-owner of Brooks Brothers, keeping his expertise as Master Plumber, Master Electrician, Heating and Design Specialist, Tinsmith, and other “old school” skills, in constant use. 

Don was the former president of the Riverside Cemetery Association and the Oxford County Shrine, a member of the Masons and the Kora Shrine. An accomplished trombonist, Don played for nearly 80 years with various bands, including the Kora Shrine and dance bands, German band, and Mahoosuc Community Band. He was an avid reader and enjoyed spending time with family “upta camp” on Umbagog Lake, in Upton.

He is survived by Eleanor, his wife of 62 years; their son, Doug (Susan Vogt), of Benton, daughters, Donna (Gerald Broomhall), of Greenwood and Karen (Mike Rosenberg), of Bryant Pond; brother-in-law, Al Sumner, of Bethel; as well as 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brother, Dana; son, Michael; and great-granddaughter, Adelaide.

Funeral services will be held at the Bethel Alliance Church on Saturday, Jan. 12, at 11 a.m., with Pastor Edward Spencer officiating. Burial will be in the spring at Riverside Cemetery, in Bethel. Arrangements by Cliff Gray Cremation & Funeral Services, 60 Andrews Road, Bryant Pond.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael Brooks Memorial Scholarship Fund, which recognizes a Telstar athlete annually, c/o Donna Brooks, P.O. Box 235, Greenwood, ME, 04255.


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