William (Bill) Walter Brooks, 93.
Born on October 27, 1932, Bill began his working life aboard a U.S. Merchant Marine Coast Guard tugboat in Detroit, helping map the bottom of the Detroit River. Shortly after meeting the love of his life, Phyllis, he was called to active duty during the final months of the Korean Conflict. After completing boot camp, Bill returned home for just ten days to marry Phyllis on July 17, 1953, before reporting back to duty. The newlyweds then spent the next year and a half apart until his military service was complete.

Upon returning home, Bill built a long and successful career in the furniture industry, working as Head of Maintenance for Kindel Furniture for many of his 29 years and at Hekman Furniture for another 10 years.

Bill embraced life with enthusiasm, both during his working years and throughout retirement. A devoted sports fan, he rarely missed watching baseball, football, basketball, golf, or hockey. He enjoyed many years in bowling and golf leagues and especially loved playing cards with family and friends—always with a competitive spirit.

Retirement brought new adventures for Bill and Phyllis. After selling their home, they spent more than two decades traveling the country in their RV each summer before settling in Parker, Arizona, for the winter months. Bill enjoyed taking oil painting classes offered at their RV resort and worked a few hours each week at the beautiful Emerald Canyon Golf Course, where one of the perks was plenty of time on the course.

Above all else, Bill treasured his family. Even while wintering thousands of miles away, he made it a priority to stay connected, faithfully calling each week to hear about the lives and activities of his children and grandchildren. Their return to Michigan each spring was always carefully planned—after March Madness had ended and the roads were clear. In 2016, Bill and Phyllis returned to Michigan permanently, giving him many cherished years to spend making memories with the family he loved so deeply.

Bill will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 73 years, Phyllis, and their four sons and their families:
1) William R. (Sandra) and their children, Jessica Farr (Norman), parents of Greyson and Ellerie, and Bradley (Britni), parents of Madison and Noah;
2) the family of their late son, John, including his son, Matthew (Leah), parents of Jonathan and James, and preceded in death by his son, Marc;
3) Steven (Lori) and their children, Tyler (Hannah), parents of Sean, Bayleigh, and Kaylee, Caitie Garcia, and Megan Taylor;
4) Greg (Connie) and their children, Megan Cantù (Daniel) and Sean.

He is also survived by his sisters and brothers: Joan Schuring, Tom (Sharon), Jim (Pat), Doug (Donna), Mary Brooks (Ron), and Marge Harvey (Eddy) as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Clair and Lydia Bell Brooks; son, John; grandson, Marc; brothers, Don, Harold, Jack, Jerry, Chuck & Red.

A Celebration of Life service with military honors will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 29, 2026 at MKD Funeral Home, 1601 Post Drive NE, Belmont, with Tim Dieffenbach officiating. Relatives and friends may meet the family 1 hr prior to the service at the funeral home.  Those who wish, may make memorial contributions to Corwell Hospice.