Brooks Henderson

Brooks Henderson, 94, born on July 18, 1920, in Charleston, West Virginia, passed away December 23, 2014. His residence at the time of his passing was in Lakewood, California and was cared for by a wonderful group of loving and caring people.

Brooks was born to Lessie Mae (Cantrell) and Brooks Henderson. He had four siblings; Dorothy, Arthur, Jimmy, and Minnie Mae. He was orphaned at the age of 10. He went from living in an orphanage and then to a farm where he lived and worked for five years with a couple with no children. His childhood was worthy of an MGM motion picture. His education only went to the eighth grade since there was the need for him to drop out to help with the support of his younger brother and sister.

He joined the Marine Corps on November 26, 1939, before World War II began. He was a Pearl Harbor Survivor and involved in battles, engagements, and expeditions in the Pacific Theater until the end of war. He was Honorable Discharged November 26, 1945, after the war ended. He once said, "During my time overseas I stood in the face of death many times, more times than I probably even know; but because of God's protection, I was spared." Brooks was a proud Marine!!

While on military leave to see family in West Virginia, on his return trip to San Diego to be shipped back to the Pacific, he met a beautiful woman that was traveling with her sister on a Greyhound bus. They wrote letters to each other for four years while he continued his time fighting the war in the Pacific. After the war ended, he married his sweetheart, Sue (Quinn), on January 11, 1946. They began their life together in Los Angeles, California where they started their family.

He followed in his father's trade as a painter. Years later he was foreman in charge of painting Independence Hall (Knott's Berry Farm), met Walter Knott and John Wayne who toured the project often.

During their marriage they had three children, Paul, Janice and Brian. They lived in Los Angeles, Compton, Lakewood and Buena Park. Became a member of Christ Community Church in 1959 where he served as Deacon, then Elder. He also helped with many painting projects at the church over the years.

He was very active at the Buena Park Senior Center and won two Olympic Medals in shuffleboard for his age group.

Brooks was preceded in death by his beloved wife Sue, they had been married for 54 years. He is survived by his brother Jimmy (Laura), his children Paul (Linda Lee), Jannie (John), Brian (Victoria), grandchildren Michelle (Charlie), Amber (Justin), Brooks (Wallis), Paul, Andrea (Mike), seven great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Dad didn't play golf or fish. His "Hobby" was his children and grandchildren and no one could have done a better job. He kept us enthralled with the stories of his life. What a life!!!!!

At the age of seven, he went forward at the Union Mission and accepted Jesus as his Savior. This faithful Christian man was beloved by many.