Milton L Rooks

Milton L. “Joker” Rooks, age 82, of Cullman, Alabama, passed away Saturday, September 9, 2017 at his home. Milton Luvan Rooks was born on August 6, 1935 in Cullman, Alabama to Milton Curtis and Katie Pauline (Hopson) Rooks. He graduated from West Point High School in Cullman, Alabama. He joined the United States Air Force in 1954. While stationed in California, he met Mary Jo Lawless. They were united in marriage on November 3, 1956 in Reno, Nevada. She preceded him in death July 26, 1983. He was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska; Altus, Oklahoma; Bangkok, Thailand and Little Rock, Arkansas. He returned to Altus Air Force Base in 1970 and retired from the USAF in 1974. He owned and operated Rooks APCO service station and garage for several years as well as other businesses. He loved farming and spent many hours in wheat fields in Oklahoma. He was an avid NASCAR fan and a race car driver at Altus Speedway and Sooner International Raceway in Altus, Oklahoma. M L moved back to Cullman, Alabama. On May 9, 1986, he married Melba Louise (Kugler) Hulsey at Missionary Grove Baptist Church in Cullman, Alabama. They lived in Prattville, AL a few years and he worked for the State of Alabama. They returned home to Cullman and he worked as Supervisor of Cullman County Maintenance Garage. He enjoyed traveling in the motor home, camping and fishing with friends and family. In his retirement, he was happy working at his sawmill. He was preceded in death by his parents Curtis and Pauline; wife, Mary; brother, Jimmy; brother-in-law, John Dudley and great-grandson, Huck McCaslin. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Melba Rooks; son, Milton L. “Butch” Rooks, Jr and wife Connie of Kiowa, Kansas; two daughters, Martha “Marty” Lane of Altus, Oklahoma and Melanie White and husband Dennis of Burleson, Texas; brother, Buford Rooks and wife Carmen of Lawton, Oklahoma; two sisters, Ann Carden and husband Buddy of Cullman, Alabama and Gean Dudley of Tipton, Oklahoma; stepdaughter, Dana (Hulsey) Gann and husband Rob of Cullman, Alabama; 5 granddaughters, Robyn (Rooks) Whitaker, Candi (Rooks) Maddux, Holly (Rooks) Poindexter, Keri Jo (White) Coleman, Talesa Lane; 5 grandsons, Ryan Lane, Steven Lane, Kirk White, Jeff Wilson and Bailey Gann; 14 great-grandchildren, Kylie & Gunner Coleman, Maci Jo McCaslin, Trevor Rooks, Cara & Chloe Whitaker, Reese & Peyton Maddux, Dakota & Wyatt Wilson, Mylee Lane, Madison Shatswell, Presley & Hayliegh Bryan and many other family members and friends. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Milton L Rooks

August 6, 1935 - September 9, 2017