Aug. 30, 1940-Dec. 26, 2022
Paul Walter Brooks, loving father of eight and husband to Vickie, peacefully passed away from cancer on Dec. 26, 2022, at the age of 82, in his home with all of his family surrounding him.
Born on Aug. 30, 1940, in St. George, Utah, Paul was the first child of Walter S. Brooks and Irene Cox Brooks. Paul spent his years growing up with red sands of “Dixie” in his shoes and learned to work hard while milking cows in the morning before school, taking care of the chickens and plowing the garden. He loved his two sets of twin sisters (Leona and Lida, Nellie and Nita) and his two younger brothers Ray and George. Paul played sports for Dixie High School, where his father, Walt coached teams to multiple state titles, including the 1957 football state championship.
Paul received an associate’s degree from Dixie College and a bachelor’s degree in secondary mathematics education from Utah State University. He obtained advanced degrees while attending Portland State University, Wayne State University, San Diego State University and Brigham Young University.
Paul was a gifted mathematician, yet he possessed the rare talent to teach math in a clear way so that all students could learn what he called the “universal language.” Paul first taught at Lincoln County High School in Panaca, Nevada. He then taught math at San Juan High School in Blanding, Utah, and later became the principal there. In 1978, he moved back to St. George and taught mathematics at Dixie Middle School and Dixie High School.
After retiring, Paul continued teaching mathematics at Dixie State University. Paul spent thousands of hours providing free tutoring and encouragement to any and all students who sought his help. Paul loved math so much that he was known to dance a little jig when a child or grandchild asked for his help in math. Countless students reflect on their classroom experiences with Mr. Brooks and attribute their future success to his lessons on math, morality, manners, ethics, individual responsibility, and self-determination.
Paul married Linda Bennett on July 8, 1960, in the Manti, Utah, Temple. They celebrated 38 years of marriage and were blessed with eight wonderful children. His sweet Linda passed away Dec. 22, 1998. He married JoAn Buckmiller on Nov. 24, 2000. They were happily married for 18 years until her passing on Dec. 28, 2018. He married Vickie Simpson on June 6, 2020, and she was by his side when he passed.
Paul is survived by his wife Vickie (her children and grandchildren) and his children Toni Caplin (Steve), Warren Brooks (Benita), Kalynn Snow (Cortney), Jason Brooks (Sharon), Walter Brooks (Jennifer), Karlinda Madrid (Jason), Bennett Brooks (Shasta) and Dorene Tobler (Nick). He had a great love for his 35 grandchildren and 21 (plus three on the way) great-grandchildren.
Paul loved JoAn’s eight children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and treated them as his own: Jill, Russell (Kori), Kurtis (Tina), Nathan (Shannon), Lisa (Robert), Laura (Dean), David (Tiffany) and Jessica (Joey).
Paul loved the Savior Jesus Christ and his church. He faithfully served in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including financial clerk of his current ward, and other stake callings. He also served as St. George First Ward Bishop, Mid-singles Branch President and in other meaningful callings. Paul and JoAn served for two years as full-time missionaries in the Utah St. George Mission.
Paul was very generous and supported numerous charitable causes and he especially loved helping missionaries further the work of the gospel. Paul taught by daily example and sparing words that we should look for the beam in our own eye and not the moat in our neighbor’s (Matthew 7).
Paul loved life and was always happy and optimistic. When asked how he was doing, his natural reply was: “Fantabulous!” Paul was humble and others felt his admiration and support. Anyone who visited even briefly with Paul left his presence feeling good about themselves with motivation to improve their lives.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 7, at 10 a.m. in the Pine View Stake Center, 595 North 2450 East, St. George, Utah. A viewing will be held Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, from 6-8 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd. and Saturday morning, prior to services, 8:30-9:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the St. George City Cemetery located at 600 East Tabernacle Street.
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Arrangements are under the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221. Visit the Metcalf Mortuary website for condolences, complete obituary and funeral listings.