William L. Brooks, 87, of Sheridan, Wyoming, died Saturday, October 27, 2012 in Westview Health Care Center.

Mr. Brooks was born February 10, 1925 in Rushville, Nebraska to Charles A. and Ethel (Albright) Brooks. He grew up and attended schools in Rushville, and graduated from Rushville High School in 1943.

Upon graduating from high school, Mr. Brooks joined the Army Air Corps where he was a ball-turret gunner (known as a “Widow-Maker) in a B-26 during World War II. While en-route to Louisiana for deployment, he married Edwina C. Gass, and they honeymooned after his return from the service.

Bill owned a gas/fuel producing company and refinery in Greybull, Wyoming. He then moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming to be the state sales tax director. Bill later bought a Ben Franklin store and finally studied to become a Real Estate Broker and opened a real estate office in Ranchester, Wyoming.

Mr. Brooks was a member of the V. F. W. He loved to travel, and enjoyed the cabin in the mountains with his family, but above all else, loved his family.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Edwina; one sister, Carmen Wieczorek; and one brother, Chester Brooks.

He is survived by one son, William Lee Brooks, (Anita), of Tucson, Arizona; one daughter, Janis Kay Raney, of Sheridan, Wyoming; one grandchild, Kevin; and one great grandchild, Darrin.

Memorial service for Mr. Brooks will be 10:00 A. M. Friday, November 2, 2012 at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with Chaplin Arden Haeffner officiating. Inurnment will be in the Dayton Cemetery with military honors by the American Legion Post #7 and the Wyoming National Guard. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

“My father was a good man, a loving father/grandfather and a proud veteran who served this country with honor and dignity. He was passionate in all that he pursued in his life and always brought a smile and an appropriate joke with him wherever he went. He touched many hearts along the way, and gave generously from his own heart to anyone needing help. He has gone home now and will be greatly missed. Take care, Dad, and travel safe,”

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