Age 66, passed away on September 21, 2023, at home holding his wife’s hand and with his three dogs and cat surrounding him. He was born in Kalamazoo, MI, on May 28, 1957, the son of Theodore Brooks and Mary Marie (Henry) Brooks. Ted was kind, loving, genuine and had an entrepreneurial spirit who loved life and lived it to its fullest. Never one to shy away from hard work, he began his business experience by working at Ted Brooks’ Archery Inc., which his father started in 1964. Ted later became the owner and President, turning the archery shop from a hobby into a strong retail business. At one time, owning two stores, one in Kalamazoo and the other in Battle Creek. He was also the owner of Abner’s Restaurant Inc., in Brohman, MI, where beer and wine were served from his own Micro Brewery and Small Wine production.  When not working he and his wife traveled the United States, making lifelong memories. Ted also enjoyed multiple hobbies. He was a gifted craftsman and built a home in Bitely, MI, using wood from his land and sawmill. He was also an amateur radio operator whose call sign was N8IQH. While affiliated with the N8DXB radio group, he was a storm chaser, helping to identify severe weather for Southwest Michigan. Ted also had an orbiting space satellite with his call sign on it. Ted had a great sense of humor and loved making people laugh. He enjoyed the outdoors and in 2018, he and Leslie fulfilled a lifelong dream of retiring to their home in Bitely, MI. surrounded by 28 acres of land. He loved his pets, including three dogs and a cat he owned at the time of his death. He especially loved Chihuahuas and Labs. Above all he loved his wife and cherished their 36 years together. With all his life’s achievements the most important one was being a strong and loving husband. On January 23, 1988, he married his loving wife, Leslie (Mills) Brooks who survives. He is also survived by his sisters-in-laws, Michele (Ronald) Shuster and Anita Heidi Lester; four nieces, Jeni (Zach) Albertson, Ashley (Jeremy) Hall, Katelynn Squires, Marissa Squires; nephew, Chris (Letizia) Barnes; two great-nieces; four great-nephews; special friends, Bob and Elizabeth Miles, Holly (Brad) Weaver and Aurellio Flores. Whose companionship and care over the last two years was unwavering. Ted was also preceded in passing by two siblings, Bablyn (Stewart) Squires and Thomas Brooks.