Thomas Michael Brooks

Tom Brooks Obituary

4-3-1949 to 2/14/2025

Thomas Michael "Tom" Brooks, 75, passed away on February 14, 2025, in Burleson, Texas, after battling kidney disease and COPD for three years.

The family welcomes friends and loved ones to join them in a Celebration of Tom's life at Mountain Valley Funeral Home on Thursday, February 27th, 2025, at 10:00 am.

Tom was born on April 3, 1949, in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He and his family moved to Fort Worth, Texas when he was 13 years old. He grew up with a strong work ethic and a deep sense of responsibility, traits that would define his life. He graduated from Paschal High School in 1968 and later attended the University of Texas at Arlington. Though he was just 15 hours shy of completing his degree, he chose to dedicate himself fully to being a husband and father, ensuring his family was well cared for.

Throughout his career, Tom worked in various roles that highlighted his skills and dedication. He held positions at Cummins Sales & Service in Accounting and Cloth World as a Manager before becoming a National Sales Manager for Tony Lama Boot Company. However, it was as the owner and artist of Classic Furniture Restoration that Tom truly found his passion. His craftsmanship and attention to detail were evident in every piece he restored, bringing new life to classic furniture with skill and artistry. He owned and operated Classic Furniture Restoration from 1989 to 2021 making countless clients incredibly happy restoring antiques and family heirlooms.

Beyond his professional life, Tom had many interests that brought him joy. His favorite joy was his girls: his wife and daughter. Also, he had a talent for restoring both furniture and classic cars, taking immense pride in bringing beauty back to worn pieces. When people saw a beautiful maroon 1954 Chevrolet Panel Truck driving down the road, everyone knew it was Tom. It was his signature vehicle. He also enjoyed playing golf and billiards, spending time with friends and family, and making trips to Shreveport for a little gambling fun. Tom also found it fun to purchase Lotto tickets weekly with the hope of winning big! As a lover of country music, he could often be found listening to his radio while working in his shop or relaxing with friends and family after a long day.

Tom had an infectious sense of humor and a warm personality that made him a joy to be around. He loved making people laugh with his jokes and easygoing nature. His tender heart extended not only to those around him but also to animals, he had a special place in his heart for them. Always hardworking and constantly on the move, Tom rarely sat down until the very end of the day. He always had a "to-do" list that he was chipping away at. And if you knew Tom, you know he also had an undeniable love for tasty food-never passing up a meal-and especially enjoyed indulging in midnight trips to the cookie jar. At one time, Panchos was his favorite restaurant, due to raising the flag and receiving endless plates of Mexican goodness. It was about quantity and not quality!

Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Judie Brooks; his daughter, Cari Tiller, and her husband, Don; his grandchildren, Alexa and Brynne Tiller; his brother, Larry Brooks and his wife, Judith; his sister, Deb Kirby, as well as his nephew Steven Brooks, and his nieces, Tara Brooks, Rachel Delgado, Holly Underwood and Tina Brooks Rash. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy Brooks (July 2003) and Gerald Brooks (March 2019).

Tom's presence brought warmth and laughter to those who knew him. His memory will live on through the love he shared with family and friends and the countless moments of joy he created along the way.

Tom fought a good fight and now he may rest peacefully.