Gerald “Jerry” Brooks

Gerald “Jerry” L. Brooks, 76, of Belleville, IL, died Friday, May 20, 2016, at his residence.

Gerald was born April 23, 1940, to Harvey “Chick” and Merle (nee Turner) Brooks in Lebanon, IL. In 1973, he married Janet Edwards in Carlyle, Illinois.

He loved baseball and tried out for the St. Louis Cardinals. He coached his son’s baseball teams and youth baseball in general. He also coached a men’s softball team.

He is survived by his sons, Michael (Julie) Brooks, New Athens, IL, and Wesley (fiancé Tiffany Boyd) Brooks, Belleville, IL; grandchildren, Jada Holloway, Casey Brooks, Tyson Brooks, and Carter Brooks; sister, Joyce (Robert) Ahart, Swansea, IL; brother, Ronald Brooks, Boston, MA; several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Merle Brooks; a brother, Dr. Darryl Brooks.

Visitation: Tuesday, May 31, 2016, from 10:00 to 11:00 am, at The Greater Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, 423 W. Dee Street, Lebanon, IL.

Funeral: Tuesday, May 31, 2016, 11:00 am, at The Greater Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church.

Clergy: Rev. Dr. W. J. Griffin, Pastor

Interment: College Hill Cemetery, Lebanon, IL.

Meyer Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL.