Donald Ray Brooks, age 76 of Salem, passed away at 3:45 am on December 25, 2020 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon. Donald was born on March 26, 1944 in Flora, the son of Ralph Lewis and Edna Marie (Simmons) Brooks. He married Sharon (McIntosh) Brooks on May 4, 1964 at the Free Methodist Church in Salem and she survives in Salem. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Sheri Barter and husband Chris of Salem; grandchildren, Tashia Cheves and husband Jay of Stillwater, OK, Danielle Farley and husband Brandon of West Palm Beach, FL, Cindy Donsbach and husband Ethan of Edwardsville, Shanan Reed and fiancé Daniel Ramirez of Salem, Jake Brooks of California, Abby Brooks of Edwardsville, Levi Brook of Salem, Logan Brooks of Salem, and Cassandra Okuly of Wauseon, OH; great-grandchildren, Luke, Isaiah, Mallory & Gabe of Stillwater, OK, Kayne & Knox of Salem, Beckham & Aiden of Edwardsville, Aysa & Landon of West Palm Beach, FL; one great-granddaughter on the way, Victoria Rae of Stillwater, OK; and one nephew, Kevin Wimberly of Salem. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Keri Brooks; one brother, Kenny Wimberly and wife Tondra; and one great-grandchild, Julian. Donald worked for many years as the Coordinator for the Marion County ESDA. He started as an ESDA volunteer in 1964, he served the county in many ways, from Gospel Light House food distribution, to his most recent deliveries of PPE to local fire departments and nursing homes. He retired from Stanford Engineering after over 40 years of employment. Funeral Services for Donald Ray Brooks will be held at Noon on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at the Crouse Funeral Home in Salem with Bill Royster and Claude Howell officiating, with visitation from 10:00 am until the time of the service. There will be an ESDA Honor Guard during the visitation. Burial will be in East Lawn Cemetery in Salem. Masks will be provided and are encouraged to be worn. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the family and can be received at the funeral home. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Donald Ray Brooks, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.