Melvin E. Brooks

Melvin Eugene Brooks was born November 7, 1927 and passed away at the age of 92. He was the second child of three born to Mary and Maynard Brooks in Des Moines, Iowa. He is preceded in death by his parents and sisters Ruby Brooks and Evelyn Fant.

At the age of 18, Melvin went into the US Army. He served his country with courage, commitment and dedication serving in both World War II and the Korean War. He received the following heroic, honorable, and achievement of service awards: the Korean Service Medal, W-3 Bronze Service Star, Bronze Service Star, UN Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

After his honorable discharge from the military he began his professional career at several reputable organizations such as Bert Lyon Hyde Slaughterhouse, the US Postal Service, Polk County Courthouse, long-time member of American Federation of State and Local County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and retiring from the Iowa Department of Human Services.

Melvin was married twice. The first union in 1952 to Dorothy Taylor was born daughter Raynell. The second union in 1968 to Marjorie Rowland was born daughters Melva and Melanie. From the second union he raised as his own Fannette, Teresa, Shedrick Jr. and Michelle.

In his spare time, Melvin would play the piano and recreational baseball. Melvin was also known for his memorable parties and after-hour gatherings. He was a committed father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was very attached to his grandchildren and great grandchildren and in many instances was the main father figure in their lives. They cherished, adored and held grandpa in high esteem. Melvin made a confession of faith accepting Christ and passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family.

He will be fondly remembered by daughters: Raynell Wheels (Glenn) and family, Melva Brooks, Melanie Brooks, Fannette Elliott, Teresa (Andre) Johnson, Michelle Elliott; son: Shedrick Jr. (Vernice) Elliott; grandchildren: LaToya, Troy, Sedne, Kiara, Marcheshia, Sedesha, Maranda, Jordan, Jaylen, Richard “RJ”, Shedrick III, Julian, Mariah, Sedreona, Mekhi, Maura, Phara, Pharell; great grandchildren: Tamia, Aaliyah, Patience, Alfredo, Kyrie, Zoey, Jayden, Trey, Sean, Rakyra, Layla, Kayden, Le’Aira, Jordan, Nyla, SedJaya; a very special niece Royca, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 3, 2020 at Faith Tabernacle Church of God in Christ, 131 9th Street, West Des Moines, Iowa 50265. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter at 2:00 p.m.

Contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Melvin.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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