Joe Wayne Brookins

What is the true measure of a man? In scripture it is written that man’s goodness is determined by his Christlikeness. “People judge by outward appearances, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (I Samuel 16:7). Samuel Johnson wrote, “The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good”. Ernie Banks said, “The measure of a man is in the lives he’s touched”. Whatever the measuring criteria, from the earliest of time, scholars, authors, and the like agree that great men are measured not by what they achieve or the fortunes they amass but by the love and goodness they leave behind. The greatest man we have known, by any measure, Joe Wayne Brookins, was born on March 7, 1956 in Contra Costa County, CA to S.D. and Cora Brookins. He moved to Midkiff, Texas at the age of three after the death of his mother where he was raised by his aunt and uncle E.E. “Arkey” and Sue Bowen. He attended school in Big Lake and Rankin, graduating from Rankin High School in 1974. He enjoyed life in the country and the El Paso Natural Gas Camp where he would run around with Bobby Whisman and friends hunting rabbits, playing volleyball and trying to keep Bobby out of trouble. He met the love of his life, Deborah (Debbie) Elizabeth Whisman in 7th grade on the school bus ride to Rankin. He loved sharing secrets, big dreams, kisses, and her grape bubble gum. After graduation, he attended Sul Ross State University and Midland College for a time, but ultimately began a lifelong career in the oil and gas industry when he married Debbie in 1975. Their romance would span over fifty years, bringing them many adventures, three children, five grandchildren and one angel granddaughter. He never missed a chance to steal a kiss, bring in fresh roses from the rose garden, or help with any of the projects Debbie could dream up.

Joe was as loyal an employee as he was a family man. He stayed with El Paso Natural Gas, where he began working in 1975 for over forty years, even as the company changed hands a few times from El Paso Natural Gas to Western Gas and then Atlas. He resigned in 2018 and continued his career in the pipeline construction and water disposal field.

When Joe wasn’t at work he loved nothing more than spending time with his family. He especially loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was a very hands-on father and grandfather. Whether he was calling out spelling words or working with his son on their ranch, he gave 100% to teach them and be present. He even learned to play golf when his daughters were in high school so he could practice with them. Later, he loved playing a round with his grandsons or hitting a bucket of balls in the front yard with his granddaughters. He enjoyed cheering them on in their extracurricular activities, shopping for their birthday and Christmas gifts, surprising his grandson in college with cash app gifts, and flooding everyone’s inboxes with texts and messages.

He loved a good joke and was very quick witted and funny. He could lighten the mood in the most serious of situations and brought hope to everyone in the family. He set high expectations and led by an example of integrity and excellence.

The measure of a man truly comes down to these everyday, seemingly ordinary moments. Golf with his children and grandchildren. Time spent tending his wife’s roses and stealing kisses every chance he could. Doing his job with integrity and a strong moral compass. Bringing laughter and excellence to the family he cared for so much. All those moments added up to one great life, one great man. For, in the end, “The only measure of your worth and your deeds will be the love you leave behind when you’re gone”. (Fred Small)

Joe Wayne Brookins went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 12, 2025 at the age of 68 with immeasurable love left behind in his wife Deborah (Debbie) Elizabeth Brookins of Midkiff, Texas, daughter Heather Brookins Brown and husband Brad of Greenwood, Texas, daughter Debbie Jo Brookins Simon and husband Randy of Coppell, Texas, son Justin Brookins and wife Crystal of Midkiff, grandchildren Braydon Seabourn, Jolton Brown, Brinley Seabourn, Justine Brookins, and Desmond Simon, brother Andy Bowen of Magnolia, Texas, sister Sandy Holland and husband Bren of San Angelo, Texas, brother-in-law Bobby Whisman of Midkiff, and Tammy Whisman Gomez of Rankin, Texas as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents S.D. and Cora Brookins and E.E. “Arkey” and Sue Bowen, sister-in-law, Kathy Bowen of Magnolia, Texas and his granddaughter Heather Jo Brookins.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Midkiff Public Library, the Greenwood ISD Education Benevolence Fund, or the Stanton ISD Education Foundation.

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