William John Brooks, veteran, lifelong farmer
William John Brooks, 82, of Milton, locally known as “Bo” or “Bobo,” passed away peacefully Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025.
Bo was born in Lansdale, Pa., to his parents, James Brooks and Isabella (Simpson) Brooks. His family was drawn to Milton for its farming opportunities. They left Philadelphia’s textile industry in 1945 and purchased a farm on Route 16, where Bo and his family operated a dairy farm that was later transitioned to a poultry growing operation. They continue residing and working the land of his childhood.
In addition to dairy farming and poultry operations, Bo was a driver many years ago for Sealtest Milk and worked as a custodian with Cape Henlopen School District at H.O. Brittingham and Milton Junior High Schools.
He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War from 1963-65 in the U.S. Army. He was honorably discharged with the rank of SP4.
Bo graduated from Milton High School. He loved bowling, shooting pool, traveling, talking, and joking with others, especially giving nicknames to everyone he knew. Bobo was also an avid fan of Philadelphia sports teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a sister, Virginia Thompson; and his twin brother, Robert Brooks.
He leaves behind his loving family, his wife of 54 years, Diane (Jackson) Brooks; two daughters, Natalie Brooks, and Jennifer Norwood and husband Miles; two grandchildren, Brock Layton and Hayley Norwood; two brothers, Leonard “Lenny” Brooks, and Donald Brooks and wife Marti; and nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
A celebration of Bo’s life will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 28, at Short Funeral Services chapel, 416 Federal St., Milton, where a time of visitation for family and friends will begin at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Henlopen Memorial Park, Milton.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963, delawarehospice.org/donate; or Parkinson’s Education and Support Group of Sussex County, P.O. Box 56, Lewes, DE 19958, sussexcountyparkinsons.com/donate.
Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family at shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com.
