Honoring the Life of Judge Gene E. Brooks

HONORING THE LIFE OF JUDGE GENE E. BROOKS

Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to the life of a distinguished public servant and a true friend, Judge Gene E. Brooks, who passed away Monday, April 19, 2004. His long life was filled with conscientious service and unwavering dedication to our State and Nation. The contributions he made to American jurisprudence, combined with the many lives he touched along the way, leave behind a positive legacy that will not soon be forgotten.

Judge Brooks began his career in public service by honorably serving our country with the United States Marines during the Korean War. He earned his undergraduate degree from the Indiana State Teachers College and went on to study law at the Indiana University School of Law. Judge Brooks practiced law as a prosecuting attorney and in private practice in Posey County, IN, from 1960 to 1968. He was then appointed to serve as the first full-time bankruptcy judge for the Southern District of Indiana, where he worked until 1979, when President Jimmy Carter appointed Judge Brooks as a United States District Court Judge. His nomination was forwarded to President Carter by my father, Senator Birch Bayh. Judge Brooks went on to become the Chief Judge of the Southern District in 1987.

The positive imprints Gene made upon the United States legal landscape came not only through his many judicial rulings, but also through his active role as advisor to the United States Congress, as well as his membership and leadership as former president of the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges. In addition to his professional service, Judge Brooks was an active member of many community organizations, including the Indiana Legal Aid Society, the Kiwanis Club, Toastmasters, the Indiana State Museum Foundation, and the Evansville Petroleum Club. He was a Kentucky Colonel and a 32nd Degree Mason.

Judge Brooks is survived by his wife, Jan Darlene (Gibson) Brooks; his three sons, Gene E. "Geno" Brooks Jr., Marc E. Brooks, Gregory A. Brooks; his daughter, Stephanie Jobe; his sister, Joyce Brochman; and his three grandchildren.

Judge Brooks was a man who walked with kings, but never lost the common touch. The citizens of the State of Indiana and the United States of America were well served by the life led by the Honorable Judge Brooks. Gene was a dedicated family man and public servant. He touched many lives over the course of his career and will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and an incredible leader.

It is my sad duty to enter the name of Gene E. Brooks in the official RECORD of the U.S. Senate. May God be with all who mourn his passing, as I know He is with Gene.