Alton P. “Al” Brooks, 75

YOUNGSTOWN – There will be services at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the L.E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home for Mr. Alton P. “Al” Brooks, 75, who departed this life Saturday, Jan. 6, at his home.
Mr. Brooks was born March 9, 1931 in Moulton, Ala., a son of Ralph and Daisy Webb Brooks, coming to this area in 1951.
He was employed as a masseur for 55 years at the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA). He received his certification for masseur in Cleveland during the time of his employment with the YMCA.
Conservative estimates put his massage total at more than 105,000. Prior to his retirement, some of his notable clients over the years included T.V. host Art Linkletter, Vice President Hubert R. Humphrey and actor Jim Nabors, T.V.’s “Gomer Pyle.” After thousands of massages, Al Brooks retired on Sept. 9, 2006.
He had also received his civil commission with the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Department. He was a U. S. Army veteran.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, the former Sophia Thrash, whom he married in 1957; a son, Alton P. Brooks II of Tampa, Fla.; two daughters, Darrolyn R. Bell of Rochester, Pa., and Cherol R. Brooks of Youngstown; two sisters, Pearl Turner and Ethel Marie Doty both of Akron; eight grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.
His parents; a brother, Ralph E. Brooks; and grandson, Juaquin Bell, all preceded him in death.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today and from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday morning at the funeral home.