Mark Wayne Brooks, affectionately and widely known as Coach Brooks, passed away just after midnight on Sunday, September 15th after a sudden and brief illness. Born in Canyon, Texas on October 9th, 1955, his parents Joe Wayne and Donna Mayfield Brooks, both public school teachers, instilled in him a deep appreciation for academics and sports. Mark excelled in both realms, leading the Belton Tiger football team to a bi-district championship as quarterback in 1974 and graduating third in his class with numerous other academic honors. He continued his education at The University of Texas, where he was a student athletic trainer for the football and track teams. The summer of 1979 proved to be pivotal for Mark: he graduated from UT, began his career as a teacher and coach, and met his wife, Nancy, during teacher development meetings in Hardin ISD. He andNancy both madeKlein ISD their home in 1982, and he spent 25 years teaching in the science department and coaching multiple sports at Klein High School. During his 30-year career, Coach Brooks impacted thousands of students' lives and left an indelible impression on all who met him. He was an assistant varsity football coach and was head coach for both freshman football and basketball for many years, capturing numerous district titles. Coachshifted from basketball to the assistant wrestling coach position in 2000, then focused on coaching wrestling full-time beginning in the fall of 2002 until his retirement in 2009. Having been coached in football and track by his dad, Joe, whom he called "the original Coach Brooks," Mark was beyond thrilled to be able to coach his own children as well- Ross in football and wrestling, and Lindsey in wrestling. Coach Brooks valued his position and influence greatly. He strove to bring out the best in each of his students and athletes, and to help them become stronger and more confident versions of themselves. He had a natural talent for storytelling, injecting humor into difficult situations, and seeing potential in students who couldn't see it in themselves. His warm, welcoming personality established him as a father figure for countless kids who just needed a supportive adult in their corner,cheering them on. After his retirement, Mark shifted his focus to a different type of athlete and adopted his first of many retired racing greyhounds in 2010. He and Nancy became active members of the Houston chapter of Greyhound Pets of America, finding homes for retired racing greyhounds. He served as a board member for the Houston chapter, fostered dogs at his home he dubbed "Camp Coach. He volunteered his time and vehicle to transport dogs to a partner organization in the Dallas area. Coach Brooks was preceded in death by his parents, Donna Mayfield Brooks and Joe Wayne Brooks. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years Nancy Brooks, son Ross Brooks, daughter Lindsey Brooks, brother Kelly Brooks and wife Pam of Fayetteville, sister Rhea Brooks Bell and husband Robert of Belton, sister Rachel Brooks O'Hern and husband Larkin of San Antonio, stepmother Gayle Brooks of San Antonio, and numerous nieces,nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, family, and friends. Coach didn't want a somber funeral, but rather a spirited, joyous pep rally!

His memorial celebration will be held at the Klein High School auditorium, located at16715 Stuebner Airline Rd., Klein, TX 77379, on Saturday, September 28th from 2:30-4pm, with visitation from 1:30-2:30pm. All attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite sports team's jersey and be ready to share their favorite memory of Coach Brooks. In lieu of flowers, donations to Greyhound Pets of America - Houston or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society are appreciated.