LZ Wayne Brooke, son of Jesse James Brooke and Nellie Maye Cassida Brooke, was born and delivered at home by Rita Watterson on April 8, 1929, at Midway, Missouri, and departed this life on Friday, September 17, 2021, at Cox South Medical Center in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of ninety-two years, five months, and nine days.
He was united in marriage to Vernie Jean Waller on December 7, 1962.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Connie Brooke, parents, brothers, LM, Orden (Dot), Jim, Donald (Billie), and Dale (Mary), sisters, Faye (Alvin “Duke”) Dunbar, Bonnie (Woody) Smith, and Betty Woodburn.
LZ is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Vernie, of the home, daughters, Joy Stearnes and husband, Mike, of Mtn. Grove; Donna Brooke Erisman, of Warrensburg, Missouri; three nephews he considered like sons, Brad Brooke and wife, Janet, Jerry Dean Brooke and wife, Jamie, and Russell Dunbar and wife, Ruth; brother-in-law, Harlan Woodburn; sister-in-law, Dolly Reel; brother-in-law, Leon Waller and wife, Wilma; grandchildren, Jennifer Stearnes Rosas, Jerrod Stearnes and wife, Tiffany, Brooke Lewis Shanks and husband, Devin; Marshall Erisman, and Myla Stearnes; great grandchildren, Lillie, Claira, Audrey, Landon, Brodee, Lliam, Evelyn, and Amilia; many special nephew, nieces, cousins, and friends.
He was born and raised near Mansfield and was a lifelong welder and supervisor of Chicago Bridge working all over the United States.
He had many guitars and music was the highlight of his life. Getting together with the Brooke’s and playing music brought him much happiness.
LZ was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his long life and will cherish the many special memories we had together.
