Richard Allen Brooks

Richard was born to James Richard Dent and Margaret Jean Frank June 7, 1950 in South Bend, Indiana.He graduated from Brandywine High School, Niles, Michigan in 1968.He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Linda K. (McCarty). They were married, May 8, 1970, in Niles, Michigan. Also surviving are 2 sons, Richard II (Chrissy), of McDonough, GA, Charles (Becky), of South Bend, IN: 9 grandchildren, Cheyenne (Levi) Fleming, of Bellevue, NE, Felicia " Felix", Benjamin, and Joshua Brooks, of McDonough, GA, Brandon (Karla) Brooks, of South Bend, IN, stationed with the US Army in HI, Zachary, Savannah, Paige, Annaleigh Brooks, of South Bend, IN; 3 great-grandchildren, Ezekiel, Ellianna Torres-Brooks, and Colton Fleming; Richard's father, James R Dent, of Grain Valley, MO; mother, Margaret J Plott, of Niles MI; 5 brothers, Tom(Susie), James (Vicki) Dent, of Oak Grove, MO, Denton (Connie), Dent, of Blue Springs, MO, Edward (Theresa) Dent, of Palmyra, MO, Duane (Jodi) Plott, of Three Oaks, MI; and a sister, Shirley (Tom) Gilbertson, of Pleasant Hope, MO. Several nieces and nephews are left to cherish his memory.He was preceded in death by a daughter, Margaret Joyce Brooks, and a brother, Kenneth Plott.Rick worked in factories much of his life until he became a truck driver. He loved music. He could give you the name of a song, the artist, and when it was recorded. He had won several contests on the radio because of this talent. He loved to sing and had a beautiful voice. His hobbies were horseback riding, working on cars, and motorcycles. His favorite thing was getting on his bike or his son's and taking a ride. The kids in the neighborhood called him Uncle Rick. When they were little he would pump up the bicycles and fix their broken rims. Later, he helped fix their cars, and would yell at them when they made bad decisions. He loved every kid who came on the porch. If you came on the porch you knew there was advice, lots of love, and laughter. Uncle Rick always had a story to tell or a beer to share. He didn't have a lot, but if he had it he would give it.His family wishes to thank Dr. Ansari, and his staff at Michiana Hematology and Grace Hospice for the wonderful care they gave him in the last days of his life.