Jerrel Brooks

Jerrel J. Brooks, 75, of Fountain City, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, November 15, in his home.
   He was born September 2, 1937 in Economy to Albert J. and Evon Powell Brooks. He earned a Bachelors and Masters Degree from Ball State University.
   Jerrel truly believed “A CHILD IS MORE THAN A TEST SCORE”. An educator for 45 years in the Richmond Community Schools, Jerrel taught English, Social Studies, Government, Civics and Japanese. He was a host for many Japanese teachers through the Earlham College teacher exchange. Jerrel helped develop an exchange student program with Morioka Dai-Ichi High School in Japan. He led 10 trips with many of his high school students to Japan.
   Jerrel went on teaching even after he retired. He led many tours for elementary school students at the Levi Coffin House and the Richmond Art Museum. His love for teaching truly was incorporated into everything he did and everyone he touched.
   Jerrel had many interests including a love for auto racing, reading, coaching, gardening, Civil War reenactments, photography, travel, bicycling and nature. Jerrel co-authored a book, titled: “A Sesquicentennial History of Fountain City, Indiana”.  
   Jerrel will be missed by his wife of 51 years, Carolyn Sue Burris Brooks, whom he married on June 17, 1961; daughter & son-in-law, Kelly Evon & Eric Sittloh, of Fort Mill, South Carolina; son & daughter-in-law, John Charles & Sharon Brooks, of Indianapolis; grandsons, Deric, Keir and Quinn Sittloh; granddaughters, Brooke Sittloh Marcotte, Merideth and Mallory Brooks; great-grandchildren, Stella and Brooks Sittloh, and Sutton Marcotte; sister & brother-in-law, Patricia & David Baumer; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
   Jerrel was preceded in death by his parents and step-mother, Jessie (Pat) Brooks.
   Pastor David Anderson will conduct a funeral ceremony at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 20, at the Smith & McQuiston Funeral Home, 321 US 27 South, Fountain City. Interment will follow in Willow Grove Cemetery.
   Family & friends may gather for visitation from 4-8 p.m. Monday, November 19, at the funeral home.
   Memorial contributions may be made to Communities in Schools, PO Box 1784, Richmond, IN 47374; Cardinal Greenways, 700 East Wysor Street, Muncie, IN 47305; or The Levi Coffin House Association, PO Box 77, Fountain City, IN 47341. Cards for these are available at the funeral home.
   Online condolences may be expressed at www.smithmcquistonwebster.com .