R. Ned Brooks

R. Ned Brooks, 86, formerly of North Manchester, IN died at 7:20 p.m. December 8, 2013 at Hospice of the Valley, Glendale, AZ. He was born at North Manchester, Indiana on March 5, 1927 to Raymond A. & Beatrice (Churchill) Brooks. Ned graduated from Central High School in North Manchester in 1945, and on August 29, 1947 he married Mary Jane Bowman. He served his country in the United States Navy during World War II aboard the USS New Orleans. From 1952-1985 he was personal lines manager for Travelers Insurance Company, working at offices in South Bend, Indiana and Chicago, Illinois. Ned was a member of the United Methodist Church, American Legion Post # 286, member and past Governor of Moose Lodge # 1518 and the Eagles Lodge. Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Mary Jane Brooks, Glendale, AZ. Two sons, John (Audrey) Brooks, Denver, CO and David Brooks, Glendale, AZ. A daughter, Nedra (David) Simmler, Glendale, AZ and five grandchildren. One sister and one brother are deceased. Services will be held Saturday, December 14, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, IN. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 14. Pastor J.P. Freeman will officiate and burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, 600 Beckley Street, North Manchester, IN. For those who wish to honor the memory of R. Ned Brooks, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley-Thunderbird, 13614 N. 59th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85304. To send a private condolence to the Brooks family, use the Condolence link on the Homepage.