WICHITA - William "Bill" D. Brooks, 88, died Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at the Larksfield Place in Wichita.

He was born September 10, 1929 in Bucklin, the son of William Lloyd and Fonzie (Smith) Brooks. He was a graduate of Bucklin High School and received his PhD from Ohio University. He farmed near Bucklin for 20 years and  was a Communications Professor at the University of Kansas, Purdue University, University of Oklahoma and Friends University in Wichita.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Wichita, the Downtown Lions Club, Business and Professional Men's Club, Wichita "A's" and Studebaker Drivers Club.  He served on the Board of Trustees for Southwestern College in Winfiled.

On August 22, 1948 he married Grace Andrews at the Bloom Methodist Church.

Survivors include: his wife of 69 years, Grace, Wichita; 4 children, Susan Elliott and husband Tom, Valpariaso, Indiana, Steve Brooks and wife Evelyn, St. Joseph, Missouri, Randy Brooks and wife Shirley, Taylorville, Illinois and Debra Springer and husband Mike, Yukon, Oklahoma; a sister, LaDee Arbuckle, Larned; a brother, Bruce Brooks and wife Rosemary, Amarillo, Texas; 10 grandchildren, Kimberly McDougall and husband Gene, Jennifer Nolan and husband Rob, Taryn Handlon and husband Mike, Cory Brooks and wife Taylor, Casey Brooks and wife Chelsey, Alan Brooks and wife Amanda, Arik Brooks and wife Laura, Jessica Sebok and husband Jacob, Brent Springer and wife Whitney and Bradley Springer; and 13 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Boyd Arbuckle.

Funeral service will be 2:00 pm Friday, May 25, 2018 at the Bucklin United Methodist Church with Rev. Rick Jones officiating.  Burial will follow in the Bucklin Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 1:00 pm to service time at the church.

The family suggests memorials to the Bucklin United Methodist Church in care of Minnis Mortuary, P.O. Box 516, Bucklin, Kansas 67834.