Basil B. Brooks

Basil B. Brooks, formerly of Rebersburg, passed away Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Valley View Retirement Community in Belleville, with his children by his side. He was 88.  Born December 13, 1936, in Bellefonte, Basil was a son of the late Guy R. and Alice M. “Marshall” Brooks.  On October 27, 1956, Basil married the love of his life, Mona J. Mowery who preceded him in death on June 21, 2024.

Basil grew up on a farm outside of Centre Hall.  It was there that his love for trucks and motorcycles took root.  He was a lifelong truck driver, logging well over 5 million accident-free miles during his career driving many different types of trucks, with “Mack” being his favorite.  To his truck-driving friends he was known by the CB handle of “Green Bean.” In his younger years, he raced Harley Davidson motorcycles at Daytona, Watkins Glen and many other tracks, both asphalt and dirt, and competed in many hill-climbing events.  Basil also enjoyed NASCAR, frequenting races at the Poconos, Dover, Richmond, Talladega and Bristol.  Basil was probably best known for his passion for anything Ford-powered and would enjoy talking to anyone about his love of Fords.  During the winter months, he enjoyed plowing out many town residents with his 8N Ford tractor.  In his spare time, Basil loved to garden, often sharing his bounty with family and friends.  He was one of the kindest and most selfless people you’d ever meet and was always wearing a giant smile.  Basil especially enjoyed spending time with his family, who he loved dearly.

Basil is survived by two daughters, Lori Brooks Bierly of State College and Brenda L. Brooks (Fred) of Spring Mills; one son, Rickey B. Brooks (Tammy) of Millheim; three grandchildren, Jon D. Brooks (Emily) of New Jersey, Mark A. Brooks (Amy) of Howard and Audrey C. Kerstetter of Spring Mills.  Also surviving are three great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren.  In addition to his wife, Basil was preceded in death by his son, William P. Brooks and five brothers, Paul, Kenneth, Bill, Lewis, Philip Brooks and three sisters, Martha Weaver, Connie Tressler and Betty Hartley.  He was the last sibling in his wonderful family.

Basil’s children would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Valley View Retirement Community, particularly the team in Memory Lane, who provided him with a loving, safe and enriching environment.

Family and friends will be received from 10:00 am until 12 noon on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at the Steven R. Neff Funeral Home in Millheim.  The funeral will follow at noon with Pastor Hugh C. Flanagan officiating.  Basil will be laid to rest in the Evangelical Cemetery in Rebersburg.  Contributions in memory of Basil may be given to the Miles Township Fire Company in Rebersburg.  

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