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Cory's Register Book            Back to Obituaries

Cory William Brooks was born March 26, 1972 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Cory was raised his whole life in Philip, South Dakota by his loving parents Darral and Marilyn Brooks. As a child, Cory was very active in sports. Cory participated and lettered in football, basketball, and golf at Philip High School, however his proudest moments came while playing baseball, having the privilege of being coached by his father. Cory grew up in the comfort of a small town and cherished most, the time he spent on his family’s ranch.

Cory’s success and pride continued while in college. He began college at the University of South Dakota in August, 1990 after completing Basic Training for the National Guard. While in college, Cory maintained a successful education while being honored as a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. Cory was also selected to participate in the notorious Strollers program while at the University. Cory graduated from the University of South Dakota with a BS in Psychology. He continued on in dignity to obtain a Law Degree in December of 2000, while on the same day obtaining a MS in Administrative Studies. Cory was published in the South Dakota Law Review and succeeded in Law School, while continuing to be dedicated to the National Guard. Prior to his activation for military duty, Cory was scheduled to take the Bar Examination in February of 2004.

Cory’s most treasured accomplishments came in the National Guard. At the time of his death, he had served his country in the National Guard for nearly fifteen years. He was a member of the Wheeler-Brooks American Legion Post #173 of Philip. Cory received many awards and was promoted quickly due to his hard work and dedication. He received the following awards; National Defense Service Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommisioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Overseas Training Ribbon, and the South Dakota Distinguished State Service Award and the Army Commendation Medal.

Cory returned to Philip to pursue his legal career while spending as much time as he could on his family’s ranch. There was no man more proud to be from a small town than Cory. He loved where he came from and those that represented Philip. His desire was to give back to a community those things he had treasured the most; integrity, pride and family values. Cory devoted his time to scouting for the Philip High School football team, as well as refereeing high school basketball games. Cory loved sports and entertained many by his vast knowledge of any and all sports. He carried on that love of all sports with his nephew Hunter, playing many games of baseball in the backyard. In addition, Cory loved playing golf and spending time with his yellow lab, Zeke.

Grateful for having shared his life are his parents Darral and Marilyn Brooks of Philip; his sister and brother in-law Angi and Mike Kiewel of Rapid City, the parents of his beloved nephew and niece Hunter Brooks and Hannah Jo; a very special friend Heidi Linngren of Rapid City; four uncles Arlie Brooks and his wife Heidi of Reedley, California, George Brooks and his wife Dee of Gregory, Dale Brooks and his wife Ellen of Sturgis, and Gary Brooks and his wife Vicki of Pierre; an aunt JoAnn Prichard of Kadoka; an uncle Jerry Hansen and his wife Norma of Spearfish; several cousins; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Cory was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Marvin and Alice Brooks; and his maternal grandparents Alfred and Sylvia Hansen.

SSG Cory W. Brooks, age 32, of Philip, died Saturday, April 24, 2004 in Baghdad, Iraq, while bravely serving his country on active duty.

Visitation was held 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 2, 2004 at the Philip High School Armory.

Funeral services were 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 3, at the Armory, with Pastor Paul Bly officiating.

Interment with military honors was 3:00 p.m. on Monday, at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

A memorial is being established in honor of Cory.

Monday, May 3, 2004  10:00 a.m.

Philip High School Armory

Philip, South Dakota

Pastor Paul Bly

Marianne Frein – Pianist

Maureen Palecek – Vocalist

Brian Sieck – John Marx

Manny deCastro – Trace O’Connell

D.J. Rush – Kenner Cihak – Jody Gittings

Ryan Seager – Mike Moses

Raymond Coyle – Wade Rhodes

Bart Samuelson – Eric Backstrom

Chip Kemnitz – SSG Derris Buus

Philip High School Class of 1990

Sigma Nu Fraternity

USD Law School Students

3:00 p.m. Monday, May 3, 2004

Black Hills National Cemetery

Sturgis, South Dakota

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