Charles E. Brooks

Charles E. Brooks, also known as CB and Poppi to those who were close to him, gave no warning to us as he slipped away peacefully at 8:36PM on December 3, 2024, because God knows all things and is in total control. 

Charles was born to Joseph Lawrence and Charles Ethel Brooks in Indianapolis. He grew up here and then Charles followed his daughter Mishel (Shellie) and her family to Seattle, Washington. And then later in the years, he followed her back home to Indianapolis. 

Charles lived his 80 years on this earth being himself. He found laughter in just about everything. He enjoyed building and racing fast cars and motorcycles. And even in his senior years, his need for speed was satisfied by racing his electric wheelchair, and he won every race. And of course, we can't leave out him calling himself a ladies' man. Our dad lived his life his way.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents; his older and only brother, Joseph; his two wives: Sandra L. Shirley and Gloria Spells Brooks; his youngest daughter, Shannon Colette Brooks-Guynn; his granddaughter, Sierra Paige Brooks; and his great-grandson, Thomas Pearson, Jr.

Charles leaves to cherish his memory his two daughters: Vickie Brooks Driver and Mishel (Shellie) Brooks-Johnson; his son, Charles E. Brooks, Jr. (Darla); a stepbrother, Antonio Hurd; and a stepsister, Allison Hurd. Charles is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Shantel (Steven) Perkins, Chiquita Witherspoon, Mechelle (Thomas) Pearson, LaQuonda Brooks, Chawn Brooks, Sheldon L. Brooks, Alfred III and Shannen Johnson, Sandi Brooks Bogert, Charles E. Brooks III, and Alyssa Driver. Additionally, Charles also leaves behind 19 great-grandchildren; a nephew, Kerry Brooks; two nieces, Kim and Carol Brooks, as well as a host of family and friends. 

To his bonus daughter, Janna Osborne and her family, we give a special thanks with much gratitude for helping with the care of our dad going above and beyond. You have been a true blessing to him and our family. Thank you very much and may God continue to bless you and your family.

We would also like to thank everyone who has helped Charles E. Brooks along his journey including the Oasis, Envive, Legacy, and Floral Park staff. Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers, condolences, plants and all of your acts of kindness. The family will be holding a memorial service for our father at a later date. 

Humbly submitted by his children - Charles Jr., Mishel, and Vickie. 

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-4

For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.