Gene was born to Charles A. and Verna B. (Jacques) Brooks, residing on the family farm in Valley Center, KS. He attended Bentley Schools and graduated from high school in 1939. On March 28, 1942, he married his high school sweetheart, Eleanor L. Frey, the love of his life. They spent 61 wonderful years together. He graduated from Wichita University, receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and Accounting in 1943, and immediately entered the USAF at Shepherd Field in Wichita Falls, TX. Upon returning, he owned and operated a farm implement business and two car dealerships in Augusta, KS, where the family lived for 26 years. In 1978, he devoted his talents and integrity to the banking business. He returned to his roots in Bentley, KS, serving as President of the Bentley State Bank. Additionally, he served on the Board of the Prairie State Bank for 33 years, where he worked diligently for the bank. He was Vice-Chairman of the Board of Prairie State Bank for 12 years, and recently was honored by the Prairie State Bank as an "Honorary Lifetime Director." During Mr. Brooks' lifetime, he served not only his country, but also his community and God. He served 8 years on the Augusta School Board, 4 years on the Butler County Community College Board, was president over each board for 1 year. He was a member of Rotary, Blue Lodge-32nd Degree Mason, The Wichita Consistory and the Shrine. He served on the Board of Directors of the Flossie A. West Foundation Trust. He served as Trustee of the First Methodist Church in Augusta. He is a member of the Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Wichita.