Robert D. Rooks

Robert David Rooks, LTC US Army Retired, was born June 3, 1936 and passed away on August 28, 2017. He is survived by his wife, Dian Willhoite Rooks of Ocean Springs; his two daughters, Cindy Rooks Welch (Barrett) and Jennifer Rooks Johnson (Yancy) of Savannah Georgia; and his two grandchildren, McKenna Johnson and Cooper Johnson. Mr. Rooks served as a U.S. Army combat aviator with the 1st Aviation Brigade for 3 tours of duty during the Vietnam War. He was one of the most decorated army aviators of the war, with 29 air medals and other decorations for valor. After retirement from active duty, he worked in force protection for the U.S. Government in the European theater. He was a 1959 graduate of the Citadel Military College in Charleston South Carolina and held a master degree in Public Administration. Mr. Rooks was an avid traveler, art collector, and wine connoisseur. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. Thursday, August 31, 2017 at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home. A graveside service will be follow at the Biloxi National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com