John Lee Brooks

John Lee Brooks, 61, of Amarillo passed on Tuesday Sept 29, 2026. A family and friends gathering will be held Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 14785 MacArthur Trail in the Waterscape building behind the residence. This will be come and go from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.

Life began for John on Halloween 1964 in Amarillo, Texas. He was a curious boy, always interested in how things worked and what happened when he pressed unknown buttons. On vacation, his family was left in the dark in a cavern more than once, as well as stranded on escalators in department stores. He took things apart around the house, experimented with things and eventually found a calling in restaurant kitchens, where he could safely cook for others. John graduated from Canyon High School and cooked in restaurants and later drove a fuel truck for the rail road. John spent years perfecting chicken fried steak, chili, turkey and dressing. He hosted many Thanksgiving Dinners with a buffet of food for every taste. There was always a Texas buttermilk sheet cake from an old family recipe at every gathering.

John knew the Lord and knew he was not perfect. When asked if he was going to Heaven recently, he just replied “yep”. He is there now with his Mother and infant son, eating chocolate cake or pecan pie.

He is survived by his wife, father, sister, and niece and her husband. 

Memorial are suggested to be made to Georgia Manor Nursing Home Recreation Fund 2611 SW 46 th Amarillo, Texas 79110.