David Allison Brooks' Obituary
David Allison Brooks, an angel and blessing to this earth, unexpectedly went to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 29, 2018. David’s strength and vision inspired many, but his heart and compassion extended even further. He lifted up those around him, impacting a world much larger than he ever imagined. A hero to his family, the rock on which many leaned, he will forever live in our hearts.David was born at Fort Sill Army Hospital in Lawton, Oklahoma, on June 26, 1959. In 1960, his family was transferred to Bamberg, Germany, where he developed a love for music. In 1964 they were relocated to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. His mother, Joan Brooks, taught him to play the piano at a very young age. Soon after, he fell in love with drums and percussion. He attended Theodore Roosevelt High School in San Antonio where he excelled in academics and music, leading the Rough Rider band for two years as drum major. He went on to study music at the University of North Texas for two years, before changing his major to accounting and graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree of Business Administration in 1981. He went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from the University of Houston Law School and his CPA from the State of Texas in 1984. After law school, David began his career at the Houston law firm of Sheinfeld, Maley & Kay, making partner in record time.In 1992, David joined Ashford Financial Corporation, in the capacity of Executive Vice President and General Counsel. David co-led the formation of investment partnerships between Ashford and major institutional investors, including, among others, The Fisher Brothers, Gordon Getty Trust and G. Soros Realty, Inc. While at Ashford, David negotiated and closed the acquisition of over one billion dollars in hotel assets, making Ashford the largest buyer of such properties from the Resolution Trust Corporation.In 2003, David, together with the Ashford management team, successfully negotiated and completed the initial public offering for Ashford Hospitality Trust, raising approximately $220 million in capital for the then newly formed real estate investment trust. He continued with his never-ending strive for success, forming two new public companies, Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc. and Ashford Inc. He served in all three companies as Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel until the time of his passing.While serving in such executive roles, David continued to pursue his passions. These included, caring for his family, supporting music and the arts, cooking and gardening, playing drums in the Wes Niles and the Texas Skeeters, crafts and projects, and helping those in need. When able, he would spend weekends and holidays at his ranch, building a paradise for his family and their friends to gather and enjoy life. He spent hours grilling and smoking on his barbecue pit while fishing, riding ATVs, gardening, and shooting skeet. Entertaining at the Triple J Ranch was one of his greatest joys.David was the ultimate servant, always thinking of others before himself, never hesitating to take action for those who needed guidance and support. His intellect and creativity inspired those around him. When his kids were growing up, he would support them in everything they wished to achieve, even going as far as dancing in his daughter’s dance recitals and making slideshows for his son’s percussion concerts. His support for his kids only grew as they began their professional careers. He traveled across the country to watch them perform, never missing a beat, and often encouraging them to think bigger, love harder, and strive to be the best they can possibly be. His wife, Julie, was by his side every step of the way, giving him energy and fueling his mission. She loved and adored him. They were the team that couldn’t be stopped, a match that could have only been made by the Heavens. Their devotion and care for one another was a model for all of us.David is preceded in death by his father, LTC Benjamin A. Brooks Sr. (Retd); his brother, Kenneth Dean Brooks, and nephew, Stuart Harrison Brooks. David is survived by his loving wife of almost 35 years, Julie Erck Brooks; his daughter, Jenna Allison Brooks; his son, Jordan David Brooks; his mother, Joan Howell Brooks; his brother, Benjamin August Brooks Jr. and his wife Hebe; his nephew, MAJ Christopher Brooks and his wife Lauren and their children, Elle, Benjamin, and Matthew; his nephew, Austin Brooks and wife Krista; and his niece, Katie Brooks. A funeral service honoring David will take place at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 6, 2018, at Wilshire Baptist Church, 4316 Abrams Rd. Dallas, Texas, 75214. A reception will follow at Lakewood Country Club, 6430 Gaston Ave. Dallas, Texas, 75214. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Dallas Summer Musicals, Habitat for Humanity, or The SymphoNYChorus. www.thesymphonychorus.comFuneral arrangement have been entrust to Restland Funeral Home.
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