Benton Ray "Ben" Brooks, 79, of Monticello, Indiana, died peacefully at 5:54 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026, at the Kokomo Healthcare Center, in Kokomo, Indiana.

Ben was born Saturday, August 30, 1947, in Lafayette, Indiana, to Isaac Benton "Ike" and Mildred Blanche "Millie" (Rowland) Brooks. They both preceded him in death.

On Saturday, October 4, 1969, in White Oak Methodist Church of Headlee, rural White County, Indiana he married Donna Jo Nice. She survives.

Ben was raised between Monticello, Indiana and the Tazwell, Tennessee areas. He attended Twin Lakes High School leaving early to go to work at the Old RCA Factory, working there till it closed. He then went back got his GED and began his career at Alcoa of Lafayette, Indiana. Ben was a devoted Christian and had read the bible multiple times, stating he learned something new every time he did. He was an avid guitar and banjo player never learning how to read music, but he could keep up with the best of them. Ben truly enjoyed hunting fishing, and camping and loved going with his wife, Donna spending several summers in Wisconsin to go fishing. Ben most of all truly enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and great grandkids. He went all out for Halloween, heating and decorating the entire garage with animations for the children. Ben never met a stranger and will be missed by all that knew him, especially his neighborhood friends.

Ben is survived by his wife, Donna Brooks of Monticello, Indiana; daughter, Tracey (companion Bryan Nitcher) McCormick of Austin, Indiana; son, Chad Brooks of Delphi, Indiana; grandchildren, Gatlin Phelps of Lafayette, Indiana, Emily Phelps of Delphi, Indiana, Ava May McCormick of Austin, Indiana, Cody Brooks of Lafayette, Indiana and Jocelyn Brooks of Monticello, Indiana; great-grandsons, Rowan Phelps and Brylyn Henke; brothers, Rex "Bub" (Stacey) Brooks of Monticello, Indiana and Wayne (wife Cheryl) Brooks of Michigantown, Indiana; sister-in-law, Nancy Davis of Headlee, Indiana; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Sheila Danford; brother, Larry D. Brooks; son-in-law, Bruce McCormick; brother-in-law, Keith D. Davis.

A gathering of family and friends will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026, at Deibels Funeral Home of Monticello, Indiana.

A Celebration of life service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026, at Deibels Funeral Home of Monticello, Indiana with Pastor Fred Criminger officiating.

Burial will follow in the Indian Creek / Pro Cemetery of rural Pulaski County.

Memorial contributions may be given to Alzheimer's Foundation of America. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home or can be mailed to Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, 16th Floor New York, NY 10001or follow the link to donate now https://alzfdn.org/donate/ in memory of Benton "Ben" Brooks.

Deibels Funeral Home is honored and blessed to be assisting the family; memories, messages, and photos or messages of condolence can be made at www.deibelsfh.com