Larry Brooks

Larry Brooks, age 94, of Rensselaer, Indiana, passed away peacefully at his home on July 23, 2026. Larry was born on July 5, 1932, in Hobart, Indiana, to Floyd and Fannabelle (Nation) Brooks. He attended the Rensselaer Public Schools and spent his life building both a successful business and a legacy of service to his community. Larry was first married July 1,1951, to Marjorie Phegley, who preceded him in death on August 7, 2007. On September 6, 2008, he married Joan (Hancock) Moore in Rensselaer, and she survives. For more than 30 years, Larry was the owner and operator of Brooks Motor Sales, Inc. where he became well known for his honesty, integrity, and commitment to serving generations of customers throughout the area. Larry believed strongly in giving back to his community. He was affiliated with Trinity United Methodist Church and was deeply involved in numerous civic and fraternal organizations. He served as Past President of the Rensselaer Rotary Club and was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a dedicated member of Prairie Lodge #125 F&AM, the Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis, and Murat Shrine of Indianapolis, and served as Past President of the White County Shriners Club. Larry also served on the Board of Directors of the Automobile Dealers Association of Indiana and was recognized as a Fellow of St. Joseph's College. While Larry enjoyed his many community activities, his greatest pride was always his family. He treasured every opportunity to gather with those he loved and found tremendous joy in watching his family grow through the generations. He is survived by his loving wife, Joan Brooks; his children, Michael (Janet) Brooks of Lafayette, Indiana, and Julie (David) Westfall of Westfield, Indiana; grandchildren, Catrina (Linc) Rinkenberger, Ryan (Tanya) Westfall, Brant (Audrey) Westfall, Bryce (Andrea) Westfall, Carrie Eichholz, Christian Brooks, Stephanie Brooks, Allison (Brandon) Barbknecht, and Anthony Brooks; thirty great-grandchildren; nineteen great-great-grandchildren; his sisters, Lois Gilmore and Anita "Tweet" Moore. Sister-in-laws Frances Brooks and Eileen Phegley and many nieces and nephews. Larry was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Marjorie Brooks; his beloved son, Scott Brooks; his brothers, Dennis Brooks and Kenny Brooks; his sister, Kate Halsema; and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Friends may call on Monday, July 27, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. CT at Jackson Funeral Chapel of Rensselaer. Masonic rites will be conducted at 6:00 p.m. CT. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. CT at Jackson Funeral Chapel with Pastor Sean Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Rensselaer. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, Prairie Lodge #125 F&AM, or Shriners Hospitals for Children. Larry will be remembered as a hardworking businessman, devoted family man, and faithful community leader whose generosity, integrity, and dedication enriched the lives of countless people. His legacy of service and kindness will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.

Larry Brooks

July 5, 1932 - July 23, 2026