Reginald K. Brooks, Sr. “Reggie” February 1, 1944 -July 3, 2014

In 1944, Reginald Kenneth Brooks (“Reggie”), the sixth of eight children, was born in Akron, Ohio to Booker & Delores Brooks.

Reggie graduated from Buchtel High, continued his education at Michigan and Kent State and received a Masters degree from Akron University. A true renaissance man, Reggie not only was a scholar and lifelong community servant, he was also an educator and craftsman. Who can forget the rocking chairs, benches and go carts, made with love, for family, friends and grandchildren.

Reggie began his career as a school teacher, then served as a college professor and Director of Student Affairs at Penn State University. His civic duties included serving as a City Councilman for Ward 4 in Akron, Director of the Akron Human Relations Commission and later as a Democratic candidate for Mayor of Akron.

To his first union four children were born. Reginald, Jr., Rodney, Kelli and baby Reagan who passed away as an infant.

After moving to Dallas, Texas, Reggie met and married Beverly Kerl Mitchell whose two daughters; Teri Mitchell Porter and Stacy Mitchell, affectionately call him “Pops”. He served as an adjunct professor for Community College, worked with the probation department and DART, before moving to State College Pennsylvania.

Reggie is survived by his wife Beverly Mitchell-Brooks, beloved children Reginald Brooks Jr, (Davica), Rodney Ali (Kofo), Kelli Franks (Kimani), sisters Annette Brooks and Beverly Raspberry, brothers Booker and Tony, stepdaughters Teri (Rico) and Stacy, many nieces, nephews, best friend James Mitchell “Mitch”(Princess) — and the joys of his life, his eight grandchildren who knew him as “Grandpa”.

He was preceded in death by his son, Reagan, mother and father, sisters Gail and Jackie, and brother Michael.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held in his hometown of Akron, Ohio. Aug 9th at 3pm at Turner/Rhoden in Akron. Dinner will follow…