LZ Wayne Brooke, son of Jesse James Brooke and Nellie Maye Cassida Brooke, was born and delivered at home by Rita Watterson on April 8, 1929, at Midway, and departed this life on Friday, Sep. 17, 2021 at Cox South Medical Center in Springfield at the age of 92 years, 5 months and 9 days. He was united in marriage to Vernie Jean Waller on Dec. 7, 1962.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Connie Brooke; parents; brothers, LM, Orden (Dot), Jim, Donald (Billie) and Dale (Mary); sisters, Faye (Alvin “Duke”) Dunbar, Bonnie (Woody) Smith and Betty Woodburn. LZ is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Vernie, of the home; daughters, Joy Stearnes and husband, Mike, of Mountain Grove; Donna Brooke Erisman, of Warrensburg; three nephews he considered like sons, Brad Brooke and wife, Janet, Jerry Dean Brooke and wife, Jamie, and Russell Dunbar and wife, Ruth; brother-in-law, Harlan Woodburn; sister-in-law, Dolly Reel; brother-in-law, Leon Waller and wife, Wilma; grandchildren, Jennifer Stearnes Rosas, Jerrod Stearnes and wife, Tiffany, Brooke Lewis Shanks and husband Devin; Marshall Erisman and Myla Stearnes; great grandchildren, Lillie, Claira, Audrey, Landon, Brodee, Lliam, Evelyn and Amilia; many special nephew, nieces, cousins, and friends.
He was born and raised near Mansfield and was a lifelong welder and supervisor of Chicago Bridge working all over the United States. He had many guitars and music was the highlight of his life, getting together with the Brooke’s and playing music brought him much happiness. LZ was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his long life and will cherish the many special memories we had together.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Sep. 24, 2021 in Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mansfield with burial to follow in the Mansfield Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon until service time Friday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wright County Children Home and made through the funeral home.
