NORTH MANCHESTER– R. Ned Brooks, 86, Glendale, Ariz., and formerly of North Manchester, died at 7:20 p.m. Dec. 8, 2013, in Hospice of the Valley, Glendale. He was born March 5, 1927, in North Manchester to Raymond A. and Beatrice Churchill Brooks. On Aug. 29, 1947, he married Mary Jane Bowman, who survives in Glendale. He graduated from Central High School, North Manchester, in 1945. He served in the United States Navy on the USS New Orleans during World War II. He was a member of the American Legion Post #286, a member and past governor of Moose Lodge #1518, both at North Manchester, and the Eagles Lodge. He was personal lines manager for Travelers Insurance Co., South Bend and Chicago, Ill., from 1952-1985. He was a member of United Methodist Church. Also surviving are two sons, John (and spouse Audrey) Brooks, Denver, Co., and David Brooks, Glendale, Ariz.; a daughter, Nedra (and spouse David) Simmler, Glendale; five grandchildren; one brother; and one sister. Services will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at McKee Mortuary, 1401 Ind. 114W, North Manchester, with Pastor J.P. Freeman officiating. Burial is in Oaklawn Cemetery, North Manchester. Calling will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. ***** Condolences may be sent via mckeemortuary.com
