John Edward Brooks was born on June 15, 1934 in Indian Head, Maryland to the late Joseph Edward Brooks and Margaret Elizabeth Brown Brooks and was the youngest of six children. He departed this life on Monday, January 11, 2010.

"Starch" or "Brooks," as he was affectionately known to all, was educated in the Charles County Public School system. Although he never married nor had any children, he was quite popular with the ladies. "Starch" worked at many jobs during his lifetime and was a retired laborer from the Maryland State Highway Administration in La Plata.

"Starch" could drive but since he never acquired a drivers' license, he was obedient to the law. He was always seen walking or hitchhiking from his house on Route 225 to his favorite spot, Lee's Market. If he needed to go Waldorf, to the bank or White Plains to pay his electric bill, he was chauffeured by his devoted brother Maurice, or special friends, Martin Muschette and John Perkins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters Agnes Lyles, Lucille Brooks, Delores Parker and brother Joseph Brooks.

He leaves to mourn, brother Maurice, nephews, Charles William Brooks (Geneva), Calvin Henson, Alvin Brooks, Timothy Brooks (Diane), nieces, Elaine Thomas (Gordon), and Mildred Williams (Pete).

His viewing will be held on Tuesday, January 19th, 10:00am until time of services 11:00am in the Chapel of THORNTON Funeral Home, PA, 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, MD. Interment Heritage Memorial Cemetery, Waldorf, MD.

Arrangements provided by Thornton Funeral Home.