Arthur J. Brookes, Jr.

Arthur J. Brookes, Jr. husband of Carolyn Hinds Brookes, died peacefully at home on Saturday, May 2, 2009 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Meriden, he was the son of the late Arthur J. Brookes Sr. and Alice Johnson Brookes. He was a former Meriden resident and a resident of Cromwell for the past 25 years. Art retired in 1995 from the real world of Autobody shop management into the fun, thrilling and ever challenging Nascar Bush North Racing, joining DRD Motor Sports Race team as their fabricator. When the team dissolved, Art enjoyed the ART of restoring Mack Trucks and won National Recognition for his full restoration of a 1929 AB Mack, Chain Driven Dump Truck. Many vehicles delivered to Art in Bushel baskets were restored to trophy winning vehicles. Included was a 1931 Model A coupe that is about to start a show-touring season this year. Also restored was a friend Tom's 1936 Chevrolet half-ton pickup receiving many trophies and his buddy Dick's 1934 Chevrolet Drag Car fondly called the Hearse that won 'Best of Show' at the Thomaston Main Street Cruise. Surviving are his wife, Carolyn Brookes; a son, Dennis Brookes; two daughters, Debbie Kerfoot and her husband David, Diane Hayes and Michael Suderlund; two stepsons, Dennis Marden, Jr. and his wife Vicky, Arthur Marden and his wife Kathy; and four grandchildren, Eric Brookes, Emily Kerfoot, Brittany Marden, and Andrew Marden. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 10:30 AM at Bethany Covenant Church, 785 Mill St., Berlin. Burial will be in Old Center East and West Cemetery, Cromwell. Calling hours are Tuesday from 6-8 PM at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, 411 So. Main St., New Britain. Memorial donations may be made to Middlesex Hospice Homecare, 28 Crescent St., Middletown, CT 06457 or the Bethany Covenant Church Memorial Garden, 785 Mill St., Berlin, CT 06037.