Chester Ed Brooks

Chester “Ed” Brooks was born July 28, 1935, to John and Winnie Hunley Brooks, in McCreary County, Kentucky. He was the youngest of 15 children. Ed passed away Tuesday, July 23, 2024, his parents his wife, Jean, and all of his siblings preceded him in death. Ed’s sons are Earl Brooks who also preceded him in death in July of 2016, (Kim); he is survived by sons; Chester Brooks Jr., of Lexington, Ky., and Jack Brooks (Stacie) of Winfield, Tn., daughters; Kathy Stinson of Huntington, In., Jennifer Stork (Dean) of Richmond, Ky, Jody Sedivi (Nick) of Whitley City, Ky. Ed and Jean helped raise Nancy Hardy, as a daughter and later treated Kim Ball as their daughter after her father passed away.

Ed left the farm when he was just 15 years old and became a Millwright in Cincinnati, Ohio. Ed joined the Navy in August of 1955 at 20 years old and served until April of 1965. During this time he courted Jean Keith and they were married on April 23, 1960. They were married for 57 years and they “had some good times” before she passed in June of 2017. Ed held many positions over the years that included mechanic, mechanics instructor, owner and operator of service station, logging and hauling cars for Dixie Transport. He also served as the McCreary County Chief of Police and magistrate for 4 years.

Ed was very much involved in his community and was a member of the American Legion Post #115. He remained in touch with his ‘trucking buddies’ through the Dixie Transport Club. Ed enjoyed working on equipment and was known for trading, from musical instruments to tractors, and helping people with their equipment. Ed was a music lover and was known for playing harmonica, some guitar and even called some square dances. Ed enjoyed hunting, he raised and trained bird dogs as well. He loved country, bluegrass and gospel music and loved the family gatherings where music and dancing were enjoyed. He loved his wife, his family, friends and neighbors

Ed is survived by his grandchildren; Winn, Frank, Olivia, Ethan, Parker, Adam, Erik, Terra, Kyle, Cody, Emily, Shelby, Sara and Brooklyn. They gave him 14 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren; in which he was very proud and took great delight. He will be missed by family, countless nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and many good friends.

Funeral services are Sunday, July 28, at 2:00 pm in the chapel of McCreary County Funeral Home with brother Braxton King and Dean Stork officiating, visitation is Saturday, July 27, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Burial will be in Higginbotham Cemetery with Military Honors.

McCreary County Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements for Chester Ed Brooks.