Colby Scott Brooks

Colby Scott Brooks, 21, of Battle Creek, passed away on December 7, 2022.

Colby was born on August 2, 2001, to Ronald (Sonny) and Jessica (Banister) Brooks in Marshall, Michigan. He lived in Germany on two occasions for a total of nearly seven years.

Colby attended Kaiserslautern High School for two years on Vogelweh Army Base in Kaiserslautern, Germany. After moving to Battle Creek in 2018, he attended Lakeview High School for two years where he graduated in the early days of the pandemic in 2020. Colby attended Brigham Young University-Idaho in Rexburg for a short time. Back in Battle Creek, he enjoyed his job and coworkers as a merchandiser for Sam’s Club. Colby recently enrolled at Utah Valley University and planned to attend starting in the summer of 2023.

At five years old, Colby’s teacher said it best: he had “a zest for life.” Colby had a natural excitement within him, a hum of energy driving him forward seeking out adventure, experiences, and new opportunities. He had a creative mind and spirit, seeing the world from a unique lens which he shared through pictures and videos. Living in Germany, he developed a love for travel and road trips. As a WWII buff, he particularly enjoyed visiting battlefields and other military landmarks. He was musically talented, playing the guitar, piano, and trombone, and he was a great cook. Colby earned the rank of Eagle Scout and loved the outdoor adventures and campouts along the way. He enjoyed playing soccer, wrestling, longboarding, and just spending time with friends.

Colby had a tender heart. He was quick to say thank you, and often let his parents know he appreciated them. He had a gift for moving forward after disappointments and was quick to forgive. He was a nature lover and spent many hours taking long walks and enjoying the beauty of the world around him. He particularly loved hiking in the mountains of Germany and Idaho. Colby also loved animals and recently adopted a sweet cat. They quickly became the best of friends.

Growing up, Colby was the creative mastermind of his siblings, spearheading games and activities and fun things to do. He had a knack for harnessing the excitement of life and bringing his family and friends along for the ride. People gravitated toward his easy nature, enthusiasm for all things fun and interesting, his quick wit, quirky sense of humor, and overall engaging personality. Colby was so funny, and he always made us laugh.

Colby is survived by his loving parents, Sonny and Jessica Brooks; sister, Kayla Brooks; brothers, Zachary Brooks and Tyler Brooks; grandmother, Jo Anne Fittro of Marshall; grandparents, Katherine (Robert) Urban of Texas and Ronald R. (Teresa) Brooks of Utah; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by grandfather, Randy Scott Banister; step-grandfather, William "Mike" Fittro; uncle, Eli Scott Banister; and cousin, Jacob Daniel Moore.

Services have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, December 16, 2022, from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Kzoo Cat Café and Rescue, 4221 S Westnedge Avenue, Kalamazoo MI  49008 or visit http://www.kzoocatcafe.com/donate.html Please visit http://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to send the family condolences.