Don Leon Brooks, Norton
February 27, 1938 - October 19, 2023
Don Leon Brooks, son of Frank and Velma (Diggins) Brooks, was born February 27, 1938 at the hospital in Goodland, Kansas and died at his home in Norton on October 19, 2023 at the age of 85.
He spent his early years on the family farm in Brewster.
He attended grade school and part of high school in Brewster before the family moved to Almena and later, Densmore where he graduated with the class of 1956.
He joined the Army National Guard while still in high school. His unit was called for active duty in the fall of 1961 during the Berlin Crisis and was stationed at Fort Riley where they remained for just under a year.
Don married Aleta Guthrie on January 17, 1966 at the Norton Christian Church. The couple lived all of their married life in Norton where they raised their two girls. They were about to celebrate their 54th anniversary when Aleta passed away of cancer in 2020.
Don loved moving dirt more than anything in the world. He was always outdoors, and his mother said even as a toddler he spent most of his playtime pushing dirt around the family's yard. His sister said he sometimes used a piece of wood as a blade. He started his career in dirt construction right after high school when he went to work for Bud Gregory. He started his own dirt work company in the late '60s and built terraces, roads, ponds, and dams all over Norton County and the surrounding area for close to 30 years.
In 1992, Don went to work for the Norton County Road and Bridge Department as a motor grader operator. He took pride in well-graded roads and enjoyed the camaraderie of his coworkers until his retirement in 2012.
He valued his friendships and looked forward to beers and scuttlebutt every day after work at the pool hall or the Eagles Lodge. He planted and raised a vegetable garden every spring and summer. He especially enjoyed growing an heirloom tomato called Sioux because that was a variety his mother grew.
He is survived by two daughters, Laura Leigh Brooks, Norton and Amy Brooks Couch and husband Rob Couch, Parker, Colorado; a grandson, Brewer Guthrie Couch; a granddaughter, Julia Faith Couch; and one sister, Wava McIntyre, Rozel.
He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, and one sister, Carol Case Daniels.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 26, 2023 at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow in the Norton Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will be from 5-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Harmonson-Redd American Legion Post 63, Norton and may be sent in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654.
Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com.
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