Richard Clifford "Dick" Brookins

Richard Clifford "Dick" Brookins of Gull Lake (Richland), MI

Dick, age 93, died Sunday afternoon, May 19, 2019 at Heritage Assisted Living of Battle Creek, MI and with his loving wife, Nancy at his side.

Dick, the son of George and Glendora (Clifford) Brookins, was born in Detroit, MI on May 10, 1926 and was a 1944 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. He enlisted in the United States Navy right after graduation and served his Country honorably and nobly during World War II as a Seaman 2nd Class aboard the USS Fulton. Dick retired in 1984 after 30+ years of faithful service as a Production Supervisor for Kraft-Heinz Company (General Foods). He was very active in community affairs having been the Past Commander of the Augusta Custer VFW Post # 7956; Past President of the General Foods Management Club and served on the Fort Custer National Cemetery Honor Guard for the Monday Squad for 25 years. Dick was active in many sport activities such as Senior League golf and Senior League bowling; was an avid fisherman and enjoyed boating and snowmobiling. He also had his pilot's license.

Dick was united in marriage to the former, Nancy Lee Evans in Richland, MI on December 18, 1971 and she survives. Also surviving is his daughter, Lynda Menz-Latshaw of Kalamazoo, MI; his grandson, Evan (Jessica) Menz of Kalamazoo and two great grandchildren. Dick was preceded in death by his parents.

The Memorial Service to celebrate Dick's life will be held on Monday, June 17th at 10:00 a.m. in the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D Avenue (M-89) with the Rev. Brendan McGroarty, Chaplain of Great Lakes Caring Hospice, officiating. Interment will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI with the United States Navy Honor Guard and the Fort Custer Honor Guard bestowing full military honors. Family and friends will gather immediately following the committal, at The Dock at Bayview, 12504 East D Avenue, Richland, MI 49083, for a time of fellowship, visitation and a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dick's honor may be directed to the Fort Custer Monday Honor Guard; the Augusta Custer VFW Post # 7956; Great Lakes Caring Hospice or a charity of your choice.