Herbert "Herbie" Brooks, Sr. Obituary (1929 - 2020)

DEXTER--Herbert L. Brooks, Sr., 90, passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2020. He was born September 2, 1929 in St. Albans, a son of Frank Elbert and Amanda Ella (Cook) Brooks. He grew up on a dairy farm and always spoke with pride and love of his parents and siblings. He joined the U. S. Army in 1947 and served in Okinawa during the Korean War. He married the love of his life "Mim" Hutchins in 1949. They shared 63 years together until her passing in 2013. Herbie often reminisced about their life together and spoke of missing her for years after her passing. Herbie was a lifelong business man who loved people. He always remarked that he started out by swapping marbles in school. He worked at several occupations including farming, woodsman, and machinist before finding his calling as a restaurant owner. Mim and Herbie started a restaurant in Hartland before moving to the 45th Parallel Diner in Dexter in 1967. Together they made many improvements, extended their dining area and became a well-known and popular restaurant to locals and travelers. In 1973, Herbie's love of serving people expanded to buying and selling cars; and he built a garage to service them. Herbie loved his family and was happy to be joined in the business by his sons. In all, Herbie provided local service on the 45th Parallel for over 53 years. He was a kind and generous man to his family and employees. He expected an honest day's work and was quick with praise, thanks and raises. Herbie was a member of the First Baptist Church in Dexter for many years and helped with many projects. He is survived by his son Herbert "Butch" L. Brooks, Jr. and wife Brenda; daughter Shirley A. Patterson and husband David; a daughter in law Sherry Brooks; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to give special thanks to Herbie's caregivers, his daughter Shirley and husband David, Andrea Fillingim and granddaughters Brandee and Rachel. Herbie was predeceased by his beloved wife Marilyn "Mim" E. (Hutchins) Brooks; his oldest son Brent R. Brooks; and siblings, Donald, Harold, Earle, Phyllis, Phillip, Maurice, Beatrice, Robert, and Joanne. Memorial services will be held at 3 P. M. Saturday, July 25th, at the First Baptist Church, Dexter, with the Rev. Andrew Bermudez officiating. Due to CDC guidelines, all attendees are limited to no more than 50 people. Face covering, social distancing and registration are required. Burial will be in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Dexter. Memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church, P. O. Box 573, Dexter, ME 04930. Arrangements are by Crosby & Neal, Dexter.