Farris Brookman
1922-2018
Farris Brookman was born October 18, 1922 to Otis and Ruby (Kellison) Brookman on the family farm near Vinson (Harmon County), OK. He passed away on April 25, 2018. He is survived by his wife Betty (Ables); sister Betty Prock of Sulfur Springs, TX; son Steve and his wife Gail; daughter Mary Ann and her husband Rory Rosenbalm; four grandchildren, David, Philip, Logan, and Lacy; and seven great-grandchildren. Farris graduated from Ron High School, a consolidated school north of Hollis, and was drafted into the army almost immediately after graduation. He was a young farm boy about to see the world. Farris loved his family and helped them endure the “Great Depression”, the “Dust Bowl Days” and a journey as “Okies” to California to seek work. Farris spent 3 ½ years in the army. He trained in the U.S. for several months before shipping out to Europe. He endured lots of fighting during WWII and lost many buddies. When the war ended he came home and spent a year helping his folks on the farm. In 1946 he enrolled in watch-making school at Southwestern College in Weatherford, OK. He worked as a watchmaker in Frederick and Cordell. In 1950, Farris married Betty in Cordell, OK. He then decided to go back to college where he got an education degree in math and history. Farris taught math at Sickles High School. Then he moved to Clinton and became a principal in Bessie, OK. He worked on his administrator’s degree and graduated from Oklahoma University in 1955. That same year, he was baptized by Church of Christ minister Lester Stowe. Farris went on to become the superintendent at Manitou and later the superintendent at Butler, OK where he worked on many building projects, taught Bible classes, and served on numerous committees. In 1967, he moved his family to Clinton and served as principal of Nance Elementary School. He spent 33 years in education and later worked in real estate. Farris and Betty moved to Edmond, OK in 2003. Farris was a good storyteller. He often shared stories about the Great Depression, school, WWII, fishing, golf, family, and his experiences being carried by a tornado. He also loved talking about church and Heaven. Farris was a man of prayer and his goal was to help his children and grandchilden go to Heaven. He loved the Lord and his family, and he dearly loved his wife Betty.
The family will greet friends 5-7 PM Sunday, April 29th at Matthews Funeral Home, Edmond, OK. A memorial service will be held at 2 PM Monday, April 30th at the Memorial Rd. Church of Christ in Edmond, OK. Memorial gifts may be made to the Westview Boys Home in Hollis, Ok. To share a memory or condolence, please visit matthewsfuneralhome.com.
Farris and Betty were very dear to me. Our families shared many good times when living in Clinton and we have remained in touch over the years. Heaven has gained a righteous man. My heartfelt sympathy to his dear wife and to the rest of the family.
Farris Brookman was a fine Christian man.
So sorry to hear of your loss.
sorry to hear of your loss.
Mr. Brookman was my principal in elementary school. He was very passionate about his students and was stern when he needed to be. Thank you Mr. Brookman!!! Rest In Peace!!!
Betty, Steve and MaryAnn,
Farris was a good example for others as a Christian. He was also a very good principal at Nance. He will be missed by many. Heaven gained a good leader, teacher and angel.
Was sad to hear he had passed.
Praying for you to have comfort
and cherished memories.
Diana (Kemp) Mackey
Heart broken on the news of Mr. Brookman’s passing! He was my principal at Nance-I remember at our class parties at church-he could toast marshmallows without one burned spot on them! Perfect! Betty-Steve-Mary Ann- love you and in prayers!
My prayers and thoughts are with Betty & family. Much love to the family.
Mr Brookman was my principal at Southwest. He served with discipline yet passion for his students. Mrs Brookman was my 4th grade teacher. Both super people who were vested in education.
Love and prayers for his family, I have many memories of him from my grade school years at nance. He was always very sweet
our kids went to nance and he was their principal for the time we lived in Clinton.i used to sit right across the table from him at rotary meetings. a fine man and a real gentleman,
Mr. Brookman was my principal at Nance Elementary. He was very kind to me as a child who had just moved to his school during my 5th grade year. I’ll never forget his help in saving me from what could have been a very bad situation. I’ll see you in heaven.
Prayers for his family. Mr Brookman, was my Principal at Nance Elementary in Clinton, OK. From 1st to 6th grade. He always should a respect and love for the kids and teachers. A great example and roll model, to me and all my classmates. Sorry,to hear of his passing, but feel good that he effected a lot of young minds in a great.
I am so sorry for your loss Betty, Steve ,Mary Ann & family. I have many memories of Mr. Brookman as my superintendent at Butler school and attending church with our family. My parents were very fond of him. May God bless you!
Farris was a kind and gentle man as a superintendent at Butler. I always respected him and loved Betty as my teacher. Wonderful family! Prayers to Steve and Mary Ann and your families.
Praying for Mr. Brookman’s family. Sincerely, Benita Doughty Hodges, former Nance student