Family will receive friends on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. until time of service at 10:00 a.m. at White's Funeral and Cremation Services Chapel, 867 S. James Road, Columbus, OH 43227. Interment: Glen Rest Memorial Estate. Livestream will start at 10:00 a.m.

Howard Brooks, Sr.  departed this life on October 19, 2024,  after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. 

Howard Phillip Brooks Sr. was born on August 4, 1938 to Charles B. Brooks and Catherine E Straughter Brooks in Columbus Ohio, the sixth of seven children. Howard was affectionately known by the nickname “Tickie”. 

Howard attended East High School where he was known to be friendly, approachable and where laughter often followed him down the hallways.  Howard often could be found on the track where he was a state champion pole vaulter, or on the basketball court where his team was the undefeated city champions. While attending East High School Howard met the love of his life Catherine Hoke.  Howard and Catherine were married on June 18, 1960.  There were two children born of this union, Howard Phillp Brooks, Jr. and Lisa Michele Brooks (Ramos).  After graduating from high school Howard Brooks was drafted into the US Army where he traveled Europe representing the US Army as a member of their basketball team.  When it was discovered that he was a great pitcher, he was picked up to play on the softball team as well as the basketball team.  He was Honorably Discharged on October 4, 1963.

Howard was an accomplished athlete and won several basketball, softball, and golf tournaments. Howard was a well liked coach and mentor in Columbus and Gahanna.  After 25 years of employment at Ohio Bell (AT&T). Howard retired to take on a second career as an usher at Nationwide Arena and the Columbus Convention Center. Howard’s outgoing personality propelled him to one of the favorite ushers in the arena. He enjoyed taking care of the patrons in his area and did all he could to make sure they left every event with a smile. Howard loved to dance and could be easily found cutting the rug with his wife wherever they could find good music. 

Howard was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Catherine Brooks, his sisters: Catherine J Cooper, Mary E. White, Shirley Slade and Vivian E Allen; his brothers Bobby C Brooks and Benjamin Brooks.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories: his wife of over 64 years Catherine Brooks, son Howard P (Denise) Brooks Jr., his daughter Lisa (Glenn) Brooks Ramos, granddaughter, Dr. Tiffany(Mikael) Brooks Couch, Grandsons Howard (Kumbirayi) Brooks III, and Ayodele Adeniye.  Howard leaves behind many nephews and nieces, close relatives and friends.

Family will receive friends on Saturday Nov. 2, 2024  from 9 to 10 am at  White’s Funeral Home, 867 S James Rd, Columbus, OH 43227.

Service will begin at 10 am   Interment will follow service at Glen Rest Memorial Estates 8029 E Main St, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068.  The family appreciates all of the support and love that was shown during this time. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.