Leander "Bear" Brooks

Leander “Bear” Brooks, of Lacy Creek Road, West Liberty, Kentucky, passed away November 5, 2025, at the Salyersville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, at the age of age 99 years, 7 months, and 19 days.

He was born to the late Henry and Ida Patrick Brooks at Lee City, Kentucky on March 17, 1926. As a youngster, Leander picked up the nickname Bear, and it stuck, being known throughout his life as Bear Brooks.

Bear was united in marriage to Hala Brooks on October 16, 1945. Together they were blessed with six children. Later, after Hala’s death, Bear remarried Helen Williams on May 7, 1983 and they remained together until her passing.

Bear was a farmer and worked for many years hauling coal as a truck driver, as well as for Frederick and May Lumber Company. He finished his career retiring from the Kentucky State Highway department. It is said that while at the Highway Department he was never allowed to flag traffic because he knew everyone, and everyone knew him, so they would always stop to talk, backing up traffic and slowing down work.

Bear was known for his lively tales, quick wit, and great sense of humor. He liked making people laugh and entertaining his family and friends. Sometimes it was hard to figure how what was true and what was embellished for a good storyline.

He also loved singing old-time songs that younger generations have never heard. He would often entertain the staff and residents at the nursing home with his songs as he sang loud enough to be heard down the hall. With a little encouragement, he would start, “I’m a poor boy, matchbox would hold my clothes…” and then belt out verse after verse…always ending with a little chuckle. And for the little ones he would sing a great, doodle-ee-doo, while bouncing them on his knee—something many generations of Brooks kids will remember.

His favorite pastime without a doubt was foxhunting. He spent many nights lying out in the woods listening to his hounds chase fox next to the campfire while he cooked bacon. But spending time in the company of his brothers, sons, nephews, and friends is what made the experience worth coming back to every week. Even as his dementia advanced, he still loved dogs, caring for his toy foxhound, Sport, his companion and even throwing him some bread occasionally.

Speaking of cooking, Bear showed off in the kitchen making his famous country ham meat every year for Christmas. It was always super greasy, extra salty, and delicious. He loved the attention of getting bragged on for how good it was. He could make a mean bologna

sandwich—but you had to like it thick as a burger and if fried, burnt black. Bear also had an interesting take on cooking pork roast together with chuck roast. No one ever got to taste that one, but it was a routine recipe, so it must have been good.

He was a proud member of Greenville Masonic Lodge and just this year was presented with his 70-year-member pin from the Grand Master of Kentucky and brothers from his local lodge. This gave him and James the proud distinction of both being 70-year-member brothers of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, a rare achievement.

Bear was saved at Morgan County ARH on June 26, 2017. Even though he came to his faith later in life, some of his last words were halleluiah after a visit from the Chaplin who prayed with him in the end. We are comforted by his salvation and knowledge that we will see him again one day.

He will be remembered for his love of foxhounds, spending time whittling, finding the best wood for making walking sticks, for keeping a sharp pocketknife, always having a candy stash, supplying a few dollars for Freezer Fresh ice cream, and his love of Reece’s cups.

To live 99 years is remarkable—to see the world change in immense ways, to have a lifetime of stories, memories, love, and laughter—what an amazing legacy Bear leaves behind. We are so privileged to be part of his journey. He will be missed greatly by all who love him.

Bear is preceded in death by his parents; spouses; daughter Sharon Jenkins; granddaughter Mindy Arnett; great-granddaughter Mia Howard; and siblings—Nora Cottle, Tommie Brooks, Lonnie “Tiny” Brooks, Faye Turner, Bernice Fugate, and Ben Brooks; as well as five infant siblings.

Bear is survived by five children including Ival Syfert and husband Joe of West Liberty, Kentucky, Lonnie Darrell Brooks and special friend Christy of West Liberty, Kentucky, and Chalvis Brooks of Salyersville Kentucky; four grandchildren--Tony Brooks and wife Tonya, Brooke Jenkins and husband Rod, Kelli Young and husband Darrell, and Ivalea Hobbs and husband Tony; ten great-grandchildren—Hayla, Alley, Genesis, Isaiah, Maggie, Layla, Samuel, Henry, Harper “Torty,” and Nora; and three great-great grandchildren—Audrey, Silas, and Tatum; brother James Brooks and wife Phyllis; son-in-law Tim Jenkins; extended family, and friends. 

Funeral service 1 p.m., Sunday, November 9, 2025 at the Potter Funeral Home, with Bro. Rick Pelfrey officiating.  Burial to follow in the Brooks Family Cemetery, Jones Creek Road, West Liberty, KY.  Visitation 6 p.m., Saturday, November 8, 2025, with Masonic Services by Greenville Lodge #655 at 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Pallbearers for Bear are Tony Brooks, Isaiah Brooks, Kevin Brooks, Bo Brooks, Chad Brooks, Eddie Brooks, Roger Jr. Cooper, and Ricky Phipps; along with honorary pallbearers Charlie Oney, Jimmy Darrell Easterling, Rod B. Adams, Chalmer Adams, Burnes Cottle, and Stanley Franklin.

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