Rest in Peace Delbert Brooks (37)

Rest in Peace Delbert Brooks of Arkansas

Bald Knob Family Mourns Tow Truck Driver's Death

A Central Arkansas community is mourning the loss of a man killed while helping wrecked drivers Tuesday. Delbert Brooks was working for his family's towing service in Bald Knob when a car slid across Highway 67/167 hitting him.  His father says, their jobs are very dangerous, even when there isn't severe weather.

Delbert Brooks' father Dale says, they are always worried about safety, but that hasn't stopped them from getting out and trying to save others. Right up there with fishing and hunting, towing runs in the Brooks' family blood. When Dale Brooks' father opened a garage in 1971, Dale took right after him, then showed the ropes to his son, Delbert.

Sleet slicked roads kept the father son pair busy in White County Tuesday.

"It was hectic. Me and him started out together and we split up," he says.

Delbert's mother Kay was manning the phones when Delbert called.

"It was so dangerous, he said 'three people almost hit me,'" says Kay Brooks.

Minutes later, police called Dale to help at a wreck on highway 67/167. Police say a man was hit standing on the side of the road when another driver came flying across the median.

It was Delbert.

"They called me out to work that one, they didn't know it was my son. When I got out there, I walked up on my son in the road, says Dale. "I lost a son and it hurts."

His parents say the 37-year old was two days away from his 21st wedding anniversary. He's leaving behind three kids, including a son who's been learning how to take over the family business one day.

"I think we raised a good son. He worked hard, we have a lot to be thankful for," says Dale.

People have been sharing stories around town and on Facebook about how Delbert Brooks helped them when they locked their keys in the cars or needed a lift. Many of those people have called the Brooks garage and the family says, those stories and prayers are helping them get through this tough time.

 http://arkansasmatters.com/fulltext?nxd_id=628342