Obituary: BROOKS, CLARENCE

Clarence James Brooks; LTC Retired1925 ~ 2012St. George, Utah Clarence James Brooks passed away May 16, 2012. Clair was born on March 10, 1925 in St. George, Utah, the youngest son of William and Nellie Stevens Brooks he joined the Brooks boys, Walt, Dee, Paul, Bob and Grant. Nellie passed away when Clair was just 6. His father then married Juanita Leavitt Pulsipher whom Clair loved as his own mother. The family grew to include Ernie Pulsipher, Willa, Karl, Kay and Tony. Clair was drafted into the Army his senior year in high school and served in World War II. Returning home he earned his GED and married his sweetheart LaVon Adams in the St. George Temple. He joined the National Guard and was called into active service once more, serving in Korea. When he returned home he attended BYU and received a bachelor's degree in education. He moved his young family to Salt Lake City and taught Physical Education for 30 years at Bryant Junior High. Clair loved the youth whose lives he touched through athletics. He continually served his community by participating in the summer County Parks and Recreation programs and teaching drivers training. His lifetime passion and hobby was golf. He achieved the golfers dream of a hole in one! While building their Pine Mountain cabin Clair also finished his Masters Degree from BYU. Clair also continued his service in the Army National Guard including graduating from the Command and General Staff College during his 34 years of service. He retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Clair and LaVon served an LDS mission in Pittsburg, PA. He served as an LDS Bishop for five years in Murray, Utah after which they moved home, to St. George. Clair is survived by his wife of 65 years, LaVon Adams; two children: Connie Brooks Guercio and Julie Clare Brooks Cummings; 21 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Katie Marie Brooks.Funeral services will be held Monday, May 21, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Morningside LDS 7th Ward Chapel, 879 South River Road, St. George, Utah. Visitations will be held Sunday evening, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd. and on Monday, prior to services, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Chapel. Interment will be held at Tonaquint Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221. Please visit our website at www.metcalfmortuary.com for condolences, complete obituary and funeral listings.In lieu of flowers send your donation, in memory of Clarence James Brooks, to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675 www.woundedwarriorproject.org.