Obituary of Theo Ray Brooks

In loving memory of Theo Ray Brooks who passed away June 12, 2023 in his home that he built in 1973 in Peyton, Colorado after a long fight with Agent Orange poisoning in the Vietnam War.

Theo Ray Brooks was born February 17, 1937 in Boswell, Oklahoma to Claude Aaron Brooks and Jessie Lee Emerson. His sister Patricia Carlson proceeds him in death.

Ray grew up in the small town of Boswell, Oklahoma until the age of 17. When he joined the Marines for four years and went on to the U.S. Army until he retired after serving 20 years. 

Ray was a Vietnam Vet and served many other tours including; 29 Palms, California, Korea, Germany, Fort Knox, Kentucky, West Point, New York Military Academy where he was an instructor and Fort Carson, Colorado.

It was during his first Fort Carson tour that he met the love of his life Elizabeth Jane (Evanoika) Brooks. They married on September 22, 1958 and shared 60 wonderful years together until her death in 2019.

After Rays retirement and always being a hard worker, he held an extraordinary range of jobs. He and Elizabeth operated the Peyton Garage and Cafe together for several years and numerous other jobs to include supervisor for the Peyton school district and bus maintenance for Peyton. He then retired after 16 years and started his mowing service. He also rode with the Pikes Peak Range Riders for two years.

Ray enjoyed working with wood, where he made beautiful tables, chairs and wagons, creating countless projects that now hold cherished memories. 

Ray loved spending time with his family and friends. Telling stories, going to dances and having a beer with friends. He was also a lifelong Dallas Cowboys and Oklahoma Sooners football fan, a family tradition that still holds true.

It is very evident that Ray has handed down his work ethic as well as his love of hunting, fishing and the outdoors.

Ray is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years Elizabeth Brooks, his parents Claude Aaron Brooks and Jessie Lee Brooks and sister Patricia Carlson. 

Ray is survived by his three children; Patricia "Patti" (Myron) Stroup of Sierra Vista, Arizona, Glyenda (Doug) Gillis of Peyton, Colorado and Claude (Lisa) Brooks also of Peyton, Colorado. Eight grandchildren; Billy, Doug Jr., Tommy, Sarah, Seth, Cody, Theo and Breanna. Five great grandchildren; Gage, James, Shelby, Brealey, Kynzley and Braxton.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 10:00AM at Sproch Cemetery in Ramah, Colorado.