Funeral service with full military honors for Retired TSgt Robert Lee Rooks, 83 of Harker Heights, TX will be held Saturday, December 16, 2023, 1:30 p.m. at the Killeen Arts and Activities Center in Killeen, TX. Viewing will be held one hour prior to the service (12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.) at the Killeen Arts and Activity Center.

Burial will be held on Monday, December 18, 2023, 9:00 a.m. at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX.

Robert Lee Rooks was born in (Big Egypt) Cruger, Mississippi to the Late Willie Rooks and Annie Mae Horton-Rooks-James on Friday, September 27, 1940. He received his wings on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, in Temple, Texas.

Robert attended Elementary and most of High school in the Tchula/Millstone school system where he was the top of his class in the music department. He loved to sing and dance. He graduated from Central High School in Detroit, Michigan. He also attended the University of Michigan before joining the Air Force. Robert's Basic Training was at Lackland AFB, TX., and his Technical School at Amarillo, TX., as an Inventory Management Specialist. He later cross-trained into Computer Operations as a Systems Analyst. Robert was stationed at three stateside Air Force Bases and had several tours in Germany at various bases. He was a member of the Top 4 Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO) Club. Robert was awarded numerous service medals and served two tours in Vietnam. He furthered his education with the Air Force Community College enrolling in Automotive, English Literature and Advanced German. He was chosen by the Installation Commander to represent the men's Minor League Softball team at Grand Forks AFB, ND. He received an Honorable Discharge after 20 years of service.

He married Lila Johnson in 1965 and to this union one child was born (William Barrett Rooks Sr.).

On May 4, 1973, Robert was united in Holy Matrimony in Denver, CO to the love of his life Climmie Estella Smith of Tipton, OK., and to this union three children were born (Constance, Rodney, and Robert). He believed in hard work, honesty and most importantly in God. He accepted the Lord as his Savior at an early age. As a child, Robert was a member of Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, Tchula, MS. After moving to Austin, TX., Robert became a member of Zion Rest Missionary Baptist Church. He loved gospel music and as a child he sang in church choir and was a faithful member of his school musical program where he performed throughout Hines County. He had a beautiful voice. He loved to laugh and was big on family unity. Dancing was second nature to him; he would cut a rug anytime and place. He was also an excellent chef. You could say he knew his way around the kitchen; he even created his own Seasoning!

After military retirement, Robert obtained a job with the Federal Government. This career path took him to many different states and countries as well. Robert's desire was to come home to his family, so he retired from the Federal Government after serving over 20 years. His desire was to spend time with his two grandsons Devon and Erik. He was known as the cool dad that was at school when needed and was available for all field trips. His presence at Killeen HeadStart earned him an Honorary Helper Award with his own personalized HeadStart Hat. Robert always felt a need to help others. For over 10 years he took it upon himself to donate hams and turkeys to Meals on Wheels and the Killeen Senior Center during Thanksgiving and Christmas. He established a Scholarship Funds program to the RSJMG Family Reunion (Rooks Family) as well as the Allen Family Reunion (his spouse family) hoping it would encourage his family to embrace every opportunity they have to gain as much education they could to better themselves. Robert wore many hats. He titled himself as "Chief of Domestic Affairs". He prepared all the meals, laundry and ran a spotless kitchen. He sent his wife off to work with lunch wanting to make sure she had a decent meal during the day, he often surprised her by picking her up for lunch. He also answered to many different names such as Honey (his favorite), Robert, Bob, Daddy, Dad, Pops, Papaw, Granddaddy, Uncle-Daddy, Big-Daddy, and the most famous one "Michael".

Robert Lee Rooks is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years Climmie Rooks. His children, Two sons; Rodney Lamonte Rooks and Robert Lovell Rooks of Austin, TX; Three daughters; Constance Angel-Chanel Rooks of Killeen, TX; Sharon Cross of Jackson, MS & Cathy Stevenson of Denton, TX; Seventeen Grandchildren; Ten Great-Grandchildren and one Great-Great Grandchild; Seven sisters Willie Mae Davenport of Kansas City, MO; Evelenia Mitchell of Kentucky; Dora James of Jackson, MS; Ora Hall of Greenwood, MS; Eines (David) Jackson of Indianola, MS; Beverly Dean of Tchula, MS; Brenda (Anthony) Holt of Phoenix, AZ; Lula Mayweather of St Louis, MO. Five brothers Percy James of Maryland; Leon (Leona) James of Lancaster, TX; J.B. (Jeanie) James of Dallas, TX; Ricky (Anita) Bowden of Detroit, MI. Calvin Bowden of Detroit, MI. One faithful brothers-in-laws Jimmy Jr. (Elsie) Smith of Frederick, OK.; Elder Anthony (Brenda) Holt of Phoenix, AZ; Four God-Daughters: Eva (Eric) Thomas of Jackson, MS, LeVon Murdock-Jones of Atlanta, GA., Lori (Monty) Love of Fort Worth, TX., Alexandra Briley of Goldsboro, NC., Two God-Sons Sean (Sara) Allen of Harker Heights, TX, Eric (Eva) Thomas of Jackson, MS.; Two Daughter-in-laws Christina Rooks of Denton, TX., Ansley Judie of Lubbock, TX., and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Robert Rooks was preceded in death by his loving parents Willie Rooks, Annie Mae Horton-Rooks-James, and Willie Irene Aytch-Rooks; his oldest son William Barrett Rooks; one Grandson Devon W. Rooks; two brothers Willie Earl Rooks, and Amos Meeks; two sisters Annie Lloyd Rooks-Waddell, and Doris James-Johnson.