Richard Allen Brooks

Richard Allen Brooks, age 75 of Malvern passed away on Tuesday October 12, 2021, at his home at the Good Shepard Memory Care Center of Little Rock. Richard is survived by his wife, Sharon Elizabeth Brooks, his brother John Brooks and wife Jackie of Redlands California, sister Jean Rice of Long Beach California, two children Jeremy Brooks and wife Brittani of Little Rock and Natalie Henderson and husband Justin of Glenwood and grandchildren Lillian and Caleb Brooks and Dylan and Madelynn Henderson and several nieces and nephews.

Richard was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and moved with his family to Lynnwood, California where he graduated from Lynnwood High School in 1963. After high school Richard served as a reservist in the U.S. Coastguard and was stationed in the Port of Los Angeles. Richard studied at Pepperdine University in southern California and at the exchange campus in Heidelberg, Germany where he met Sharon. Following their time together in Germany, Sharon followed Rich back to Pepperdine in California. He earned his degree in History and German in 1968. He and Sharon married on May 24, 1969. He was a wonderful loving husband for 52 years. He taught elementary school for two years in southern California before relocating to Arkansas. Richard taught 6th grade in Malvern, first at Smith Elementary, and then Wilson Intermediate schools for over 30 years, returning immediately as a classroom aide at Wilson serving for over 40 years in education. Outside of the classroom Richard enjoyed reading, walking, Razorback sports, and music. His love of folk and folk-rock music also crossed over into the classroom. One of his favorite parts of teaching was playing his guitar and teaching the students to sing along. Richard loved his children and was an amazing father. He was always in the stands or in the audience to support Jeremy and Natalie whether it was softball, football, or the love they all shared, singing.

Funeral services will be on Friday October 15, 2021, at 11:00 at Atkinson Funeral Home in Malvern. Visitation will begin at 9:30 prior to the services. Internment at Shadowlawn Cemetery will follow the services.

Pallbearers will be Brandon Green, Terry Green, Buddy Hathcock, Zach Henderson, Jeff Henderson, and Dylan Henderson. The caring staff of MCLR and his former coworkers at Wilson Intermediate will serve as honorary pallbearers.

In-lieu of flowers donations in his memory to CARTI of Little Rock are appreciated.

Arrangements were made under the direction of Atkinson Funeral Home of Malvern, Arkansas. Guest may register at www.atkinsonfuneralhome.net