Samuel Eustace Brooks Jr.

Samuel Eustace Brooks, Jr., passed away on March 18, 2025, of old age. He was born on January 6, 1930, to Samuel Eustace Brooks, Sr. and Sarah Lucile Haskew Brooks in Stamford, Texas. He was the youngest of two sons. He was married to Patricia Lois Phillips, and together they had a son, Guy Lloyd Brooks. He was married to Lillian Theresa Breaux Brooks from 1957 until her death on March 29, 2023. They had two children, Glen Allen and Polly Anna. He was stepfather to Jo Ann, Monica Lea and Deborah Sue.

Sam, as he was known, graduated from Galena Park High School in 1947. He received his Bachelor of Science from Sam Houston State Teachers College in August of 1950 and his Master of Education from the University of Houston in June 1957.

He served in the US Army Band from March 1953 through January 1955. Sam’s love of music continued throughout his life. He taught music, including piano, band and choir, at college, high school and elementary levels and retired from teaching music with the Houston Independent School District in 1984, where he collected and repaired musical instruments for underprivileged students. During his teaching years and throughout his retirement, he played in various big bands and jazz combos. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren always wanted him to play something on the piano, and Christmas time was spent singing carols in his music room. He took his keyboard and played at his grandson’s Chris and Craig’s baseball games. He played on cruise ships around the world and Lillian was with him during these trips. Sam also played at the Houston rodeo and at Astros games. He was a lifetime member of the Houston Musicians Union.

Sam was an avid fisherman and gardener. Family and friends were recipients of his many harvests. He was a founding member of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church and remained a member at the time of his passing.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, sibling Lester O. Brooks and sister-in-law, Frances Brooks, wife Lillian Brooks and infant son Glen Allen Brooks.

He is survived by daughters Jo Ann Walton, Monica Lea Hasty, Deborah Sue Trahan, Polly Anna Richards and his son, Guy Lloyd Brooks. Also survived by grandchildren, Dee Dee Johnston (Troy), Christopher Heath (Debbie), Craig Heath (Veronica), Jennifer Eaves (Robby), Victoria Gary, Joseph “Matt” Hasty (Katherine Diershaw), Amber Friedman, Shawn Trahan (Tyler), Evan Richards and Julie Richards; and great-grandchildren Nathan Johnston (Chris), Jacob Johnston (Maria), Bryana Heath, Duncan Heath, Kayla Heath, Jordan Heath, Kya Eaves, Preston Eaves, and nephew, Mike Brooks (Kathryn) and their two daughters, Michelle and Suzanne.