Wayne C. Brooks, 68, of Zion, was surrounded by his family when he passed away on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the UPMC Select Specialty Hospital in Harrisburg. Born on January 27, 1956, in Bellefonte, he was the son of the late Luther and Violet (Weaver) Brooks. On March 17, 1973, he married the love of his life, Donna L. Rockey, who survives at home. He never missed an opportunity to tell everyone and anyone that they were married for 51 years.
Wayne was a 1973 graduate of Bellefonte Area High School and a 1973 graduate of Centre County Vo-Tech. After a few years working in carpentry, Wayne settled in as a truck driver. Known by many with the handle “Turtle,” Wayne continued driving for the next 45 years. He spent the last 27 years with Walmart until his retirement in 2021.
He was of the Methodist faith. He had many interests over the years, but nothing compared to the love Wayne held for his family, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed watching them play soccer, spending hours around a campfire and just watching them grow up. He loved a good game of Canasta, watching a Steelers football game and going to the Grange Fair. Wayne was an excellent cook and loved trying new recipes for his family.
Wayne made it a point to lend a helping hand when someone was in need, especially in the carpentry department. When the labor became too much for him, his advice was the next best thing! He was always there to help supervise a project, especially if it meant just being with family. He never missed calling his loved ones on their birthday, just to sing “Happy Birthday” to them. He will be missed beyond measure.
Wayne is survived by his wife, Donna; son, Michael C. Brooks and his wife, Pam, of Bellefonte; daughter, Jennifer L. Moore and her husband, Chad, of Zion; five grandchildren: Jordan Parks, Morgan Rhoads (Tyler), Camden Brooks, Wyatt Moore, and Ella Moore, and two great grandchildren: Axle Rhoads and Ridge Parks.
He is also survived by his three brothers: Thomas Brooks (Valerie), of Pittsburgh, Terry Brooks of Howard, and Dale Brooks (Denise) of Zion; one sister, Cheryl Brooks-Keeler of Zion; in addition to his in-laws: Johnny Rockey (Gwen) of Bellefonte, Mary Morgan (Perry) of Bellefonte, Gene Rockey (Sherri) of Pleasant Gap, and Bill Rockey (Barb) of Howard, and numerous nieces and nephews. We cannot forget to mention his fur pals: Oscar the cat and Lloyd the dog.
Along with his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by a grandson, Chad Moore, Jr, brother in-law, Clark Keeler, and his in-laws, Walter and Hideko Rockey.
In honor of Wayne’s wishes, there will be no scheduled services.
Memorial contributions can be made to either the Gift of Life Donor Program, ATTN: Donor Dash, 401 N. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123 or the American Cancer Society Centre Unit, 1375 Martin St., State College, PA 16803.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc in Milesburg, PA. An online guest book can be signed, or you may post your condolences to the family at www.daughenbaughfuneralhome.com.