Stanley W. Brooks Sr. passed from this life at his home on Monday evening July 3, 2017, surrounded by his family.

Sharp of wit till the end Mr. Brooks lived a full and contended life of 98 and a half years.

Born on December 25, 1918 he was raised in Matoaca, Virginia, Dinwiddie County by his parents Royal and Delia Brooks.

He served two years, as a very young man, in the National Guard and in his early 20’s, two years in the United States Army. Following his discharge in 1943, Mr. Brooks went to work for Rust Engineers and found employment in construction at the American Viscose Plant in Front Royal, Virginia. It was here that he met and eventually married his wife of 68 years, Catherine Derflinger Brooks. They settled in Front Royal and raised their family there. Mr. Brooks started his own business in 1957, S.W. Brooks Plumbing and Heating. He grew it slowly and steadily eventually employing as many as 20 people and being responsible for the plumbing of larger commercial jobs including many of the schools in the area.

Mr. Brooks was a member of Marlow Heights Baptist Church. He had been a member of Front Royal Kiwanis for over 40 years and was a Mason in good standing for 72 years.

A fixture at Kiwanis Pancake Day and around town, he was always ready with a quick line and a friendly smile. He remained active in many ways, until the past few months, playing golf and bowling well into his nineties. He even bowled a 200 game at the age of ninety.

Mr. Brooks was preceded in death by his wife Catherine in 2015. Also by two sisters and five brothers.

Mr. Brooks is survived by his daughter, Donna Brady and husband Steve of Warren County; son Stan Brooks Jr. of Front Royal; granddaughters, Holly Sutherly and husband Kevin of Edinburg, VA and Kerri Mellott of Woodstock, VA; great-grandchildren, Tucker Moats, Steele Sutherly and Kennedi Mellott.

The family would like to especially thank his caregivers; Helen, Amy, Evelyn, Donna, Mary, and Cassandra as well as Blue Ridge Hospice for their service and support over the past several months.

Memorial contributions may be made to Blue Ridge Hospice 333 W. Cork St. Winchester, VA 22601 or Salvation Army of Front Royal 357 Cloud St. Front Royal, VA 22630.

Family night will be held at Marlow Heights Baptist Church in Front Royal on Friday, July 7 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. A memorial service will be held on Saturday July 8 at 11 a.m. again at Marlow Heights Baptist Church.