Obituary of Louis Paul Brooks

Louis Paul Brooks, 79, of Neola, formerly of the Man and Gilbert areas, departed this life on Monday, January 18, 2016, from his home at Neola. He was born January 6, 1937, at Christian, a son of the late William Herman and Lakie Vance Brooks. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Martha Gentry Brooks; and his eldest son, Louie Paul Brooks, Jr. Paul lived in Man for many years and was a contractor. He constructed many buildings in the Man, Logan, and Gilbert areas that are still in use today. Paul was also the owner and operator of Little Dukes Restaurant and Lounge at Justice for over 20 years. Cooking was one of his greatest passions and it was the consensus among the local patrons that he "made the best steak in town". Upon his retirement, he moved to Neola in Greenbrier County. Paul had spent part of his early childhood in nearby Pocahontas County and had very fond memories of that part of the state. Even in retirement his talent with wood working was put to good use when he built his home which will always be remembered as "the cabin". An avid gardener, Paul loved to preserve the bounty he grew which he generously shared with family and friends. He enjoyed sitting on the back deck and visiting with his many special friends and neighbors. Paul loved the quiet beauty and wildlife surrounding his home. He enjoyed several fishing trips to Canada with his sons and friends and a very special adventure he shared with his brother, Tukie, in the Alaskan wilderness. Those who knew him well know that he loved to joke around and had a boisterous infectious laugh. We will miss that laugh as well as his quiet wisdom and physical presence in this world. Those left to cherish his memory and in whose hearts he will live forever are his wife, Joyce Toth Brooks; his daughter, Debra (Bucky) Maynard; four sons, David (Kathy) Brooks, William "Jeff" (Melinda) Brooks, John (Karen) Toth, and James (Kim) Toth; one brother, William "Tukie" (Ann) Brooks; his grandchildren, Holly (Anthony) Shankool, Seth, Zane, and Cade Brooks, Dakota and Alexa Toth, and Brandon Toth; and one great-granddaughter, Sadie Shankool along with a host of other relatives and friends. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, January 29, 2016, at the Krantz-McNeely Funeral Home at Man with Rev. Randy Sites officiating and Frank Combs offering the eulogy. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to services. In honor of Paul's wishes his remains have been cremated. Online condolences may be sent to www.krantzmcneelyfuneralhome.com Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Krantz-McNeely Funeral Home at Man.