NEVADA, Mo. — Timothy Lee Brooks, 73, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Nevada, Missouri on Jan. 27, 2026. Tim entered this world on June 13, 1952, at the “old” Freeman Hospital, 2008 S. Sergeant in Joplin, Missouri, born to Horace Edward Brooks and Fern Irene (Phillips) Brooks.
Tim courageously managed multiple cognitive and physical challenges throughout his life. When he was born, Tim’s parents were told that he wouldn’t live past the age of four. He proved his doctors wrong, living a full life with his parents in Parsons, and Joplin.
After his parents’ passing, he lived independently in Joplin, eventually moving to Nevada.
Tim attended all 12 years of school in the Joplin district and spent summers throughout his childhood visiting his grandparents’ farm in Parsons. He graduated from Joplin High School in 1973 and enjoyed attending his high school reunions and maintaining lifelong friendships with local classmates.
After graduation, he worked with his father in the family business, Variety Enterprises. He enjoyed vacationing with his parents, including trips to California, Las Vegas, cruising the Bahamas and parasailing in Cozumel, Mexico.
Tim walked everywhere he wanted to go while living in Joplin, a backpack on his back and a backwards Cardinals ballcap on his head. He made the circuit around town, including frequent stops at Benitos, Mythos, Ventage Stock, Fox Farm Food, Higdon Florist and Edward Jones.
He had friends who knew him and welcomed him in every business he patronized. He was a member of Joplin First Church and was baptized there.
Tim survived the Joplin tornado in 2011, left standing in what remained of his apartment after it was completely destroyed around him. He temporarily relocated to Nevada, then returned to a newly rebuilt apartment in Joplin and lived there several years before permanently relocating to Moore-Few Care Center in 2019 to be near family.
Tim loved bingo, Coca Cola, dogs, the St. Louis Cardinals, Hardy Boys books and Perry Mason reruns. He had an interest in astronomy and space travel, enjoyed learning about US Presidents and American history and had an impressive memory for specific details and dates. He was very sociable and enjoyed visiting with people. For many years, he sent a monthly bouquet of flowers to his Aunt Eleanor in California.
Tim was the youngest cousin of a close-knit, extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Fern Brooks; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Brooks and George and Edith (Bryant) Phillips; aunts and uncles, Don and Merl Brooks, Nola and Howard Farran, Carl and Nadine Phillips, Glen Phillips and Opal and Jess Rinebarger; cousins, Marline Farran, Gene Farran, Jerry Farran, David Phillips, Randy Phillips, Glen Phillips, Jr. and Donald Phillips.
He is survived by his aunt, Eleanor Phillips (Anaheim, CA); cousins, Mike Farran (Nevada, MO), Lyle Phillips (Weatherby Lake, MO) and Jeanette Walker (Anaheim, CA); and his cousins’ numerous children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Tim typically added the name “Brooks” after the first name of people that he especially liked, and he called and introduced them by that name.
Tim’s family would like to thank his “Brooks” family at Moore-Few for providing a home and welcoming community that he truly loved and for their years of dedicated service to him. Thank you also to Gentiva Hospice nursing staff for providing Tim with the specialized care needed in his final days.
Those wishing to honor the life of Tim are encouraged to visit an elderly family member, neighbor or friend at an assisted living facility. A private memorial service for family and friends will take place at a later date in Parsons, where Tim will be laid to rest with his parents. Also, a gathering to celebrate Tim’s Life will be held at Moore-Few in the near future. Thanks be to God for the life of Tim, who now dwells in Heaven with his savior, gifted with a perfect mind and body.
Condolences may be sent online at www.ferryfuneralhome. com.
