Brian Scott Brooke, 60, of Buffalo, Missouri passed away peacefully on August 25 with his wife by his side.

Brian was born February 25, 1961, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Leo & Carol (Rueckert) Brooke.

After graduating High School, Brian proudly served in the U.S. Navy for 8 years aboard the USS MacDonough. As a natural jack of all trades, he later went on to start his own business, B.I.G Services, where he used his many handyman talents to serve the local southwest Missouri community. He took great pride in his work and loved networking with other business owners as well as getting to know his clientele on a more personal level.

He loved living a quiet, simple life out in the country and really enjoyed restoring his 69' Ford Bronco along with participating in local car shows. His favorite part of summer was organizing and attending the annual Friends and Family Freakin' Float Trip, where he was surrounded by loved ones enjoying the great outdoors. He always enjoyed making connections with new friends and especially took great pride in being a Papa to his grandchildren and great- grandchildren.

Brian truly lived life BIG — always giving back to others and making people laugh. He would tell you that he did this because he knew he was graciously given a second chance at life, after undergoing a very critical liver transplant six years ago that he almost didn't survive. He wanted nothing more than to use his time left here on earth wisely and purposefully — and those who knew him would agree that he absolutely did, before the Lord permanently called him home.

Survivors include his wife of 17 years, Loretta Brooke; sons Mike (Dawna) Mitchell, Brandon (Cristina) Brooke; daughter Ashley (Rob) Brooke; stepdaughters Tonja (Jeremy) Simpson, Kristi (Patrick) OKane; 5 grandchildren Caitlin Brown, Macayla Pittman, Jakob OKane, Brooklin Simpson and Ashlin Simpson; and 3 great-grandchildren Zaylee Brown, Artemis Pittman, Elijah Pittman; mother Carol Brecker; half-brother Greg (Michele) Knierim; along with many other relatives and friends.

Brian was preceded in death by his father Leo Brooke and Stepmother Doris (Bibinger) Brooke. Brian will be dearly missed and always remembered for his genuine heart and great sense of humor.

Services with full military honors will be held at 1p.m. Friday, October 15, 2021, at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 S. Southwood Road, Springfield MO 65804.