Larry E. Brooks, 85, passed away at his home with family on June 3, 2026. Larry was born on June 14, 1940, to Edward and Esther (Helmbrecht) Brooks and grew up in Seymour, Indiana, with his brothers John and David. Although they grew up with very limited resources, their parents provided a supportive, loving, and faith-filled environment that served as the foundation for their sons' accomplishments, character, and faith.

Larry graduated with a bachelor's degree in engineering from Purdue University. Later, recognizing that this pathway was not his true vocation, and with the encouragement of his brother David and support of his wife Ann, Larry left his job as an engineer to pursue a career as a physician. He graduated from Indiana University School of Medicine in 1976 and completed a general surgery residency at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. Finding his true passion and vocation as a surgeon, Larry practiced medicine in both North Vernon and Seymour, Indiana, for more than 25 years. After he retired from surgery, he volunteered at the local St. Vincent De Paul in North Vernon and Volunteers in Medicine clinic in Columbus, Indiana.

Larry was a gifted surgeon whose hands and heart touched countless lives throughout his career. He dedicated himself to caring for his patients, often working long hours with unwavering commitment. Life presented Larry with many obstacles, and he faced them with determination, resilience, and a willingness to sacrifice for those he loved. One of his children's favorite quotes growing up was, "Get tough - it's all in your head." Dad instilled that tenacity in his children, a trait that he attributed to his mother Esther.

While his professional accomplishments were significant, Larry was a devoted husband and father. On May 10, 1968, he married Ann Louise Miller at St. Mary's Church in North Vernon. Ann was remembered as the day-to-day heart and spiritual leader of the family, while Larry will be remembered for his unwavering supportive presence that made his children feel loved, protected, and with the belief that all things were achievable with hard work. He was tough on the outside, yet beneath that exterior was a man of immense compassion, devotion, and generosity to his family and patients. He never hesitated to sacrifice if it meant creating a better opportunity for his family.

Larry was preceded in death by his father, Ed, and mother, Esther; his brother, John; and his beloved wife of 58 years, Ann, whom he deeply loved and missed. Together they built a family that became the center of his world.

He is survived by his brother, David, and his three children, Esther (Asplund), Rachel (Daily), and Ron Brooks. He was a proud grandfather of 9 grandchildren: John, Michael, Anna, Mary, Katie, Maria, Eva, Lucas, and Lily. Though we will miss his presence every day, we remain forever grateful for the sacrifices he made and the love he gave so freely. We love you dad, and your memory will live on in us forever.

A funeral mass will be conducted at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 629 Clay Street, North Vernon, Indiana. Reverend Thomas Kovatch will officiate. Burial will follow at the St. Mary's Cemetery. A rosary service will be held at 10:00 a.m. followed by a visitation from 10:30 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Sawyer-Pickett Funeral and Cremation Service. A "Celebration of Life" will be held immediately after the burial at the St. Mary's Parish Community Center, North Vernon, Indiana. All friends and family are invited.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Mary's Catholic Church, St. Vincent De Paul, or Redcrest Hospice of Southern Indiana.