William A. " Bill" Brooks, 95, of Rockford, formerly of Belvidere, died Wednesday, September 5, 2007 in Springwood Nursing Care following a lengthy illness. Born June 10, 1912 in Jasper County, Illinois, the son of Riley Nelson and Neoma (Meyers) Brooks. Bill married Freda Spraggins, for 25 years. He later married Charlotte Alderman in Aurora, Ill. on November 21, 1964, she died July 8, 1995. Bill was the Owner of Brooks Heating and Hardware for thirty five years, he retired in 1982. He was a member of First Baptist Church and served twelve years as the Sunday School Superintendent. Bill was also a life member of the Belvidere Men's Garden Club and member of the Illinois Horticulture Society. Bill is survived by his three daughters, Nyla Cadie and Linda Kane, both of Belvidere and Lorna Nitz, River Falls, Wis.; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Bonnie (Gilbert) Davis, Springfield, Ill.; and Margaret (John) Crutcher, Lincoln, Ill.; numerous nieces and nephews; a special friend, Homer Royalty. The family thanks Odyssey Hospice Association for the care given to their dad. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, two wives, Freda and Charlotte; three siblings, Wilma Chapman; Vernon Brooks; Winnie Abrams.

Memorials to the church in his name.