Bob Brooks, 65

Robert L. Brooks, age 65, of Constantine, and Port Orange, FL, passed away on Thursday, September 6, 2018 in Luther, MI, surrounded by his family and friends.

He was born in Three Rivers on November 28, 1952, a son of Arland Metzger and Elizabeth “Betty” Brooks and was later adopted by his grandparents Ila and Edwin Brooks.  Bob graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1970 and went on to become certified in Emergency Medical Training, Firefighting and Criminal Justice.

Bob has held many jobs over the years.  While in Michigan, he worked as a St. Joseph County Animal Control Officer, he drove a cement truck and worked for Coachman in the paint department and then doing coach deliveries all over the US.  He also volunteered on the Centreville Fire and Rescue as an EMT and Firefighter, and Three Rivers Ambulance Service where he met his wife, Sharon (Heslet).  The two were married in Three Rivers on November 24, 1984. He was also a St. Joseph County Special Deputy.

While living in Port Orange, FL, Bob started his career at the Department of Corrections and worked his way up to Captain.  Hired by Daytona State College (DSC), he taught basic recruiting classes for Corrections, was a CPR and First Aid Instructor, a Range Master at Tomoka Correctional Institute (TCI) and a Master Armorer at TCI.  He retired from TCI as a Captain in 2009 with 23 years of service and from DSC in 2018.

Bob was a member of the Centreville Jaycees, NRA, American Heart, and All Saints Lutheran Church in Port Orange, FL.  He enjoyed fixing guns, fishing, four-wheeling, hunting, playing card games, and he cherished time spent with his family.

Surviving Bob are his wife Sharon of Constantine and Port Orange, FL; daughter Elizabeth (Brian) Hayes, Las Vegas; son Robbie Brooks, Port Orange, FL; step daughter Rachel Berny; grandchildren Jenna and Kayla Hayes; siblings Mark James “Jim” (Lisa) Gieber, Sandra (Cyrus) Stevenson, Debra (Charles) Casault, Jack (Sharon) Gieber, Jill (Mike) Sebo, Brandi Gieber, Ramona Metzger, Arland Metzger, Zeta Metzger, Susie Lemacks, and Judy (Donald) Gross; nephew Jay (Penny) Parker; niece Nedila (John) Babcock; and many other nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Also surviving are his close friends Paul Houser, Brad Balk, and Bill Balk.

He was preceded in death by his parents, adopted parents, sister Janet Parker, and brothers Steve Gieber and Chuck Metzger.

According to Bob’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Relatives and friends will be received on Friday, September 14 from 3 to 5PM at Eley Funeral Home in Constantine.  A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 5 PM. Memorial contributions can be given in Bob’s honor to St. Joseph County Animal Control c/o United Way or to All Saints Lutheran Church (751 Dunlawton Ave., Port Orange, FL 32128).  Online condolences can be left for the family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.