DAYTON, Wyo. - Bert J. Brooks was a stone mason and owned and operated Brook's Stone Monuments in Dayton for many years. He was an amateur alchemist and enjoyed the mountains, gardening and was an avid reader.

He was a master Mason of the Masonic Lodge of Basin, a member of VFW in Dayton, Dayton Community Development committee, Volunteer Firemen of Dayton, was a Democratic precinct committeeman and served on the Dayton City Council.

Mr. Brooks, 68, died Monday in Billings Deaconess Medical Center of natural causes.

He was born in Sheridan, a son of Bert August and Florence V. Mumma Brooks. He was raised on Dry Creek, west of Sheridan, and graduated from Sheridan High School in 1939. He attended the University of Wyoming and Hinman's Business College. He served In the Marine Corps from 1941 until 1945 in the Pacific Theater. He was a master technical sergeant and served on the U.S.S. Essex.

He married Mary Catherine "Kitty" Puett in San Diego, Calif.

Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Trudy Jean Brooks of Sheridan, and Judy Lea Brooks Van Nice of Big Fork, Mont; a son, Bert R. of Huntsville, Texas; a sister, Jessie Dale Reinhart; and five grandchildren.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday in First Presbyterian Church in Sheridan with burial in the Dayton Cemetery with military rites.

Champion Funeral Home is in charge.

The Billings Gazette - Nov. 23, 1989.