CAMDEN — Allen Brooker
Allen “Pro” Brooker, 68, of Smackover, Arkansas, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Feb. 5, 2019.
Born on April 5, 1950, Allen grew up in Camden, Arkansas, and graduated from Camden High School, Class of 1968. Allen then attended Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana. Despite playing cards, hunting and having a lot of fun with his best friends, Allen managed to earn his bachelor’s degree.
Allen then started his professional golfing career at Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, under professional Pete Fleming as an assistant pro. After several years, Allen took the assistant pro position at the El Dorado Golf and Country Club. In 1986, Allen became the head pro at the Lions Club Municipal Golf Course in El Dorado, where he remained “pro” for the rest of his career.
During his many years as pro at the Lions Club, he founded several golf tournaments, including the SHARE Foundation Benefit tournament, El Dorado Golf and Country Club vs. Lions Club Ryder’s Cup, South Arkansas Junior PGA Tour, Simmons Wildcat Invitational, and the summer youth clinics at the Lions Club and Camden Country Club. Many lifetime friends were made during his days at the golf course.
Allen Brooker was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Camden, where he had been involved in many programs since retirement. He spent his Wednesdays delivering meals to others and becoming head dish-washer in the kitchen. His favorite ministry was coordinating the Circle of Friends group. Allen was a lifelong fisherman and hunter. He also enjoyed playing bridge with his buddies and watching anything to do with the Razorbacks.
Allen was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Geneva Brooker; and his older sister, Linda Brooker.
Allen leaves behind his loving wife of 45 years, Janet; their children, Susan (Stacy) Smith and Amy (Scott) Rundle; twin sister, Ellen (Ike) Tynon. Being “Propaw” to his five granddaughters brought more joy to him than words can express. These include Aayla and Natalie Smith, and Raelyn, Lillian and Anna Rundle.
Proctor Funeral Home in Camden is in charge of the arrangements.
A memorial service will be held to honor Allen’s life at 2 p.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church, with a reception to follow.
Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to First Presbyterian Church, Circle of Friends Ministry, and/or Wednesday out to lunch.
To sign the online guest register, visit www.proctorfuneralhome.com.