Joseph Brooks Shook

Joseph “Joe” Brooks Shook was born August 21, 1940, to Reverend Raymond Brooks and Mary Lee (Miller) Shook in Aldrich, Missouri. He passed from this life with a song in his heart on April 10, 2025, at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice Center in Wichita, Kansas. He married Dora Yoos on October 27, 1967 at the Arcadia United Methodist Church, Arcadia, Kansas.

At the age of 5, his family discovered he could pick out tunes on the piano by ear. He started piano lessons with his mother. Later, he had professional lessons in Bolivar, Missouri. Music was always a part of his life. He and his wife were a part of a gospel quartet called the “Echoes of Love.” He played piano with a 40’s music band called “The Uncalled Four and More.” He was part of a Contemporary Christian Group called “Just One of God’s Children” and also “The Tell It Singers.” The family made summer mission trips to teach Bible School in impoverished areas in New Mexico, Arizona, Louisiana, Florida, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Joe was involved in music in the churches they attended, whether piano, organ or choir in Fort Scott, Kansas, Valley Park, Missouri, McPherson, Kansas and lastly Derby, Kansas.

Many people will recall hearing Joe play Ragtime at the Red Garter Saloon Show which was part of the Good Old Days celebration in Fort Scott.

Joe was an active member of the noon Kiwanis Club in McPherson. Again, his job was to provide music at each meeting.

His professional life included working for the Western/American States Insurance company for 23 years as a Personal Lines Underwriter. He also worked in grocery stores. After retirement, he was the caregiver of his father-in-law for several years.

He was proceeded in death by his parents Brooks and Mary Lee Shook, sister Betty Bolton, brother Bill Shook and granddaughter Kylan Shook. He is survived by his wife Dora, a son Jared and wife Chris, Joplin, Missouri, a daughter Sarah Brown and husband Kevin of Derby, Kansas. Five grandchildren Kevin, Karis, and Kristen Brown, Tayler Northcutt and Alyssa Shook. Two step grandchildren, Kimberly Skaggs and Davis Carroll. Two great grandchildren, Lane and Gunner Northcutt. One step great grandchild Taylen Skaggs. A sister Jenny Shook of Bolivar, Missouri.

Memorials should be sent to Woodlawn United Methodist Church or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice.

Memorial Service: 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 25, 2025 at Woodlawn United Methodist Church, Derby, Kansas.