Human life can be compared to a single day in time-rising with the dawn of a new light, reaching its full brilliance, and then setting in the glory of a life well lived. Lionel Keith Brooks was born on September 30, 1952, in Denver, Colorado, to the late James H. Brooks and Annie Mae Brooks. He was the sixth child born to this union.

Lionel attended Mitchell Elementary School, Cole Junior High School, and graduated from Manual High School in 1970. While at Manual, he was a standout varsity basketball player. He and his younger brother, Melvin, also excelled in woodshop, where they helped build a home from the ground up at 26th and Humboldt—a home that still stands today as a testament to their hard work and craftsmanship. Blessed with an exceptional singing voice, Lionel loved music and was a devoted member of the Bethel Church of Christ Holiness Mass Choir.

In 1971, Lionel joined the United States military and married Vermal Green that same year, to this union, two sons were born: Darnell and Lionel Jr. Although the marriage later ended, Lionel was blessed to welcome two more children, Da'Shone and Jarmar. Following his military service, he worked for Hunter Douglas, Denver Public Schools, The Garden of Denver, and Mile High Cable. Lionel loved working with his hands and was truly a jack-of-all-trades. In 2001, he married Helen Gunn, and together they shared many years of love and companionship.

The sun set on the life of Lionel Keith Brooks on June 16, 2026. Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Helen Brooks of Denver, Colorado; his children, Darnell Brooks, Da'Shone (Eric) Merritt of Virginia, Lionel Brooks Jr., and Jarmar Wise, all of Denver, Colorado; his stepson, Michael (Nora) Woodard Jr. of Denver, Colorado; his three sisters, Geraldine Sproling, Patricia Stephen and Veronica Smith, his brother John Brooks, all of Denver, Colorado; thirteen grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Lionel was preceded in death by his parents, James H. Brooks and Annie Mae Brooks; his sisters, Dorothy and Marilyn; and his brothers, Orlando, Melvin, Christopher, Walter, and Antonio. Though he has departed this earthly life, Lionel's legacy of love, hard work, faith, and family will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.