Roosevelt Brooks was born Oct. 23, 1923, in Helena Ark., to the union of Luther and Bernice Brooks. He enjoyed a playful childhood raised with his mother's youngest sister, Beatrice A. Martin, under the watchful eyes of his doting grandparents. At the age of 12, Roosevelt received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and attended Mt. Lula Baptist Church. Roosevelt attended school at Luellen School in Old Town, Ark. After attending school in Arkansas, Roosevelt enlisted in the United States Army on May 5, 1943, where he served in World War II as a Basic Engineer and Construction Foreman. Upon his honorable Discharge from the Army on Nov. 4, 1945, Roosevelt returned to Helena for a few months and later enlisted in the Merchant Marines where he traveled around the world before settling in Chicago, Ill. There he labored in the field of construction work for more than 40 years. Roosevelt, affectionately know as "Roe" and "Granddaddy RoRo" was married in 1064 to Jessie Lee Swearnigen, who preceded him in death. During his life, Roosevelt was an active member of the Order of Free Masons. Upon his retirement he also became an active member of the Old Timers Club of Benton Harbor until his health no longer permitted. Roosevelt relocated to California in February 2002, where he resided until his transition. Roosevelt completed his journey on Saturday Aug.6, 22005 at Tri-City Medical Center in Oceanside, Calif. He was loyal to his friends, generous to all and will be dearly missed. He leaves to cherish wonderful memories of his life; special aunt, Beatrice A Martin of Oceanside; sister, Gloria Winston of South Haven; brother, James Moton of North Chicago, Ill., five daughters, Bernice Varnado of Markham Ill., Patricia (John) Chandler of Country Club Hill, Ill., Lauretta Dennis of Calumet City, Ill., Regina Howell of phoenix, Ariz and Rosetta (Alfred) of Vista, Calif.; special son, Dwight Swearnigen of Glenwood, Ill.; 16 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; 1 nephew and a host of cousins, relatives and loving friends, Funeral services will be a 2 P.M. Monday, Aug. 15, 2005 at Chappell Funeral Home, 627 W. Main St. Fennville, Mich. with visitation from 1 P.M. until service time.