Donald Bron Brooks
August 25, 1931 ~ February 1, 2012
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
Donald Bron Brooks, 80, of Asheville, died on Wednesday, February 1, 2012, at his home.
A native of Buncombe Co., he was a son of the late Lyda Brownlow and Myrtle Pettit Brooks. He was also preceded in death by brothers Ray and Ralph Brooks, and sisters Erleene English and Hilda Jenkins.
Don was born into a musical family, and as a child opened up Bascom Lamar Lunsford's Mountain Music Festival at the old McCormick Field, singing "Johnson's Old Grey Mule", picking the mandolin with his father Lyda and other musicians accompanying him. Don's great love was the steel guitar. He was a self-taught steel guitar picker and was well known in local country bands, many of which he was the steel guitarist.
After serving the Navy from 1950 to 1954 aboard the USS PCEC 896, he was employed in 1964 with BASF for 30 years, retiring as an electrician in March, 1994.
Don made a profession of faith in 2010, guided by preacher Robert Elliott.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Dover Brooks; step-daughter Audrey Austin Lawrence and husband Kevin; step-grandchildren Crystal L. Lawrence and Kevin Lawrence, Jr.; sister Dorothy Brooks Land and husband Grady; sisters-in-law Wilma Brooks and Ruth Brooks; and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday in the Patton Ave. chapel of Groce Funeral Home, with the Rev. Robert Elliott and the Rev. Larry Collins officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, with military honors provided by the Buncombe Co. Veterans Council and the National Guard.
His family will receive friends from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
To Carolyn and the Brooks Family, So saddened to hear of Don’s passing. Have been friends w/ Don and his family since childhood. A good man, friend, and neighbor. May the joyful memories along with God’s promises sustain you during the coming days ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Harry & Ruby Grooms
Carolyn and family, I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. My heart goes out to each of you. Please know that if Phil or I can do anything, we are only a phone call away. You have been remembered in our prayers. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Phillip & Joyce Dover Evans
Aunt Carolyn and family —
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. I know that Don will be greatly missed. I regret that I will not be able to attend the visitation and service, but will be in touch soon. Hugs to you all.
Carolyn & Family, we are so sorry for the loss of Don. He was like a second Father to me and my brothers as we were growing up. His laughter and humor will never be forgotten. We loved him dearly. Please accept our deepest condolences.
I am so sorry for your loss. You took very good care of Don and he was very lucky to have you. My prayers are with you.
Don Brooks was a big part of my life growing up on Deaverview Road.Always had a smile and a hug for you.He will be sadly missed in this world.God be with his family at this time of sorrow.
Carolyn, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of the family. God will get you through this difficult time.
Jeff, Christian, Alyssa, Ashton
I have played in many bands with Don in the past and we had a lot of unforgettable times together. He will be missed by all who knew him. Our prayers and condolences to you and all of his friends.
Bill & Debby Graham
To Carolyn & family: May you find strength & comfort during this difficult time in the promises in Gods word that you will see Don again one day soon. He will be greatly missed by all of us whose life he touched in some personal way. Our prayers are with all of you.Kenneth & Lynda Austin Hensley.
Dear Aunt Carolyn,
We are so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. May God hold you close and give you comfort.
Karen & Weaver
i worked with don he was a good man and agood friend.
We were very sad to hear of Don’s death.We worked with him and enjoyed his music in the different bands he played in, very talented. May God bless, comfort and fill the void this will leave in your life.
I am so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you.
Don was such a sweet, and wonderful man. He was mine and my parents neighbor for as far back as I can remember, and I am now 30. He was a great neighbor, and a dear friend to us, and we will greatly miss him. I am so sorry for your loss. Know that he is in Heaven looking down
upon all of you, and one day, you will meet again. I am so sorry for your loss, and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
With Love,
Nicole C. Penland
We deeply regret the passing of our good friend and fellow musician. I have great memories of making music with Don. We send our condolences to Don’s wife, Carolyn and the rest of his family.
I remember Don growing up on Pisgah View Road, used to play in the barn and sliding down haystacks with his neice. Always a smile for everyone.He will be missed. The family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Sharon Brown Norton
Uncle Don was a true blessing in all of our lives, always a delight to be with, a wonderful musician, and a dear soul. Carolyn, Thank you so much for loving and caring for him, the feeling was deeply mutual.
Sincerely, Ray Brooks’ Family
Carolyn: I am so sorry for the loss of Don. Everyone who knew him will miss him but we have all those good memories. Thank you so much for taking such wonderful care of my ‘ole buddy’. He loved you so much. If you need me, call me. Love ya.
Carolyn
Dear Carolyn, Dot and family,
Don was a special person to all of us who grew up and went to school with him.
I remember helping him with his book reports.
He always had a big Smile and Hello when he would see you. We loved his music. The pianist at the service was excellent.
I am sorry I could not get there Friday night, but did not find out in time. I wanted to speak to you all Saturday, but did not get a chance to. Carolyn, it was a beautiful service and memorial to Don.
Please accept my condolences in the loss of your loved one and our dear friend.
Dot, give me a call, and Carolyn, I would love to see you.
Fondly,
Myra Ramsey