May 22, 1940 – February 28, 2026
Leroy Ky Brooks, age 85, of Newton, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly at 2:30 PM – Saturday, February 28, 2026, at his home.
Funeral services celebrating Leroy’s life will be held at 11:00 AM – Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Central Christian Church in Newton, Illinois, with Gary Hall and Mike Knepper officiating. The burial will be in the Aten Cemetery in Hidalgo, Illinois, with military rites by the Jasper Post #20 American Legion. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM – Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the church and again 1 hour before the service on Friday. In loving memory of Leroy, memorials may be made to the Jasper County Cancer Support Fund, PO Box 333, Newton, Illinois 62448. Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois. The obituary can be viewed and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com.
Leroy Ky was born on May 22, 1940, in Newton, Illinois, the son of Chester Ky and Cloene Randolph (Lewis) Brooks. He graduated from Newton Community High School with the Class of 1958. Leroy was united in marriage to Loretta Fay Vanatta on August 29, 1959, and she survives.
Leroy served his county in the United States Army Reserves from February 21, 1959, until his honorable discharge on August 20, 1959.
Leroy retired from Newton Power Station after 24 years in maintenance. He was also known for his skills as a carpenter.
Leroy was a member of the Central Christian Church in Newton. He enjoyed hunting, woodworking and keeping his homestead neat and well-manicured. The time he spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren is what he treasured the most.
Leroy is survived by:
Wife of 66 years – Loretta Brooks of Newton, Illinois
Children – Tanya Geisler of Assumption, Illinois; Gregory (Sheila) Brooks of Newton, Illinois; and Tracy (Russell) Rennier of Olney, Illinois
Grandchildren – Dustin (Erika) Brooks of Newton, Illinois; Douglas (Ariel) Brooks of Saint Louis, Missouri; Travis (Milly) Gullett of Tampa, Florida; Trevor Gullett of Neoga, Illinois; Courtney Rennier of Olney, Illinois; Alyssa (Ethan) Rapp of Olney, Illinois
Great Grandchildren – Harper Brooks, Emory Brooks, Emerson Brooks, Addison Rennier, Everleigh Rennier, Tatym Saunders, Kaiston Cansino, and Krue Rapp
Sister – Donna Gentry of Neoga, Illinois
Sister-in-law – Donna Jean (Marty) Smith of Jewett, Illinois and Juanita Brooks of Cobden, Illinois
Brother-in-law – Stan Vanatta
Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, brother Lester Brooks and brother-in-law Bob Gentry.
