Brooks eulogized as father, educator, champion for St. George

ST. GEORGE — Former St. George Mayor Karl Brooks was remembered as a man of education, public service, family, church and compassion during funeral services Saturday morning.

Former Mayor Karl Brooks' funeral attracted more than 200 people in the St. George Tabernacle, St. George, Utah, Nov. 7, 2015 | Photo by Ric Wayman, St. George News
Former Mayor Karl Brooks’ funeral attracted more than 200 people in the St. George Tabernacle, St. George, Utah, Nov. 7, 2015 | Photo by Ric Wayman, St. George News

More than 200 people filled the St. George Tabernacle to remember Karl Brooks. The former mayor’s father, mother and grandfather also had their funeral services in the Tabernacle.

Karl Brooks died Oct. 31. His children and a brother spoke about the man who was known as “Mr. St. George” on what would have been his 80th birthday.

“I was only supposed to talk for 10 minutes,” son Barton Brooks said. “Not sure I can do that, so buckle up,” and he launched into anecdotes, remembrances and laughs about his father. He was followed by son Daren Brooks and daughter Sharla Moody. All three children remembered their father’s kindness, work ethic and generosity.

Church historian and recorder Elder Steven E. Snow of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a long-time friend of the Brooks family, was the final speaker.

Immediately following the funeral, Karl Brooks’ body was taken with full city honors to the St. George Cemetery. His honor guard included members of the St. George Police Department and the St. George Fire Department along with several officers from the Washington City Police Department.

Flags in the city were lowered to half-staff Saturday in honor of Karl Brooks. Mayor Jon Pike, with the authorization of Gov. Gary Herbert asked residents and businesses to lower their flags to half-staff from sunrise to sunset.

“Mayor Brooks was and always will be considered a champion for St. George and the state of Utah,” Pike said.  “He was a beloved mayor of the people and a son of St. George. We feel that it is appropriate to lower our country’s flag in his honor on this day.” 

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2015, all rights reserved.

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