Harold “Gene” Brooks, age 77, of Xenia, Illinois, passed away Tuesday afternoon, January 13, 2026, at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.

      He was born November 1, 1948, in Effingham, the son of Gilbert and Dorothy (Anderson) Brooks.  He was united in marriage to Norma Allen on October 25, 1968, in Sailor Springs, and together they have shared 57 wedding anniversaries.

      Gene proudly served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Air Force.  He was an owner-operator and over-the-road truck driver for many years and also worked as a farm hand for Bailey Farms.  In his free time, Gene enjoyed coon hunting, bowling, and woodworking, even building the cabinets when they remodeled their kitchen.  A devoted sports fan, he especially loved basketball and football.

      He is survived by his wife: Norma Brooks of Xenia; a son: Larry (Jody) Brooks of Xenia; a daughter: Trudy (Kelly) Hemrich of Noble; grandchildren: Dustin Brooks of Louisville, Kaleb Hemrich of Noble, and Ethan Hemrich of Noble; great-grandson: Colton Hemrich of Noble; a brother: Don (Sandra) Brooks of Dixon, Kentucky; a brother-in-law: Paul Ray (Bonnie) Allen of Xenia; and sisters-in-law: Linda Kay Allen of Xenia, Janet Sue Johnson of Flora, Judith Meadows of Xenia, and Brenda Williams of Xenia.

      He was preceded in passing by his parents; a sister: Edith Allen; and brothers-in-law: Ianthus Allen, Richard Allen, and Joe Johnson.

      A funeral ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Interment will follow in Oak Mound Cemetery with the presentation of military funeral honors.  A visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com