Pasadena senator advocated for vulnerable
Chester “Chet” Brooks, a 26-year state senator from Pasadena, died Wednesday at a Round Rock health care facility, according to his family. He was 80.
Born in 1935, Brooks grew up in Goldthwaite, a 1.7-square-mile town an hour and a half west of Waco. He studied journalism and political science at the University of Texas in Austin, then spent four years in the Texas House of Representatives before his term as senator.
During his tenure, the Democrat built a reputa- tion for service as chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee from 1977 to 1993 by championing issues like childcare, family violence, people with disabilities, Alzheimer’s, sexual assault, nursing facilities and cancer prevention.
‘Always an advocate’
That same committee issued a resolution to laud Brooks for his work, stating that when he began in 1973, he immediately started a “dynamic advocacy for the elderly, the disadvantaged, the poor, our children and our youth and persons with disabili- ties that would continue throughout his legislative career.”
His family recalled in his obituary: “He often made the comment, ‘It was a good day, if we helped someone today.’ He worked diligently to make this world a better place and focused on service to the children and underrepresented citizens of Texas. He leaves behind a legacy of service to the people of Texas.”
According to the Austin American-Statesman, Brooks earned a reputation as a radical senator from Lt. Gov. Bill Hobby in 1979. Hobby deemed him one of 12 Killer Bees, who once disappeared during legislature to stall a bill that would allow Republican voters to vote for state officers in the Democratic primary.
“Always an advocate for those who could not speak for themselves, Senator Brooks worked tirelessly for an increase in aid for our poorest children and families; he also passed legislation to provide temporary assistance with housing, utilities and medical care in cases of emergency for the poor and homeless,” the Committee stated in February 1993 — shortly after Brooks lost to Jerry Patterson, a Republican, as part of a massive political shift.
Involved in public life
After losing the seat, Brooks did not quit public service. He took a position with the Texas Railroad Commission and then with the Health and Human Services Commission in 2002, where he stayed for nine years.
Brooks also served as a brigadier general in the Texas State Guard from 1988 to 2010.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Julia Biddle. He is survived by four daughters: Laura Kouns and husband Rick, Tracie Garvens and husband Tom, Anna Brooks and Katie Brooks, as well as five grandchildren: Madison Kouns, Connor Kouns, Brendan Kouns, Gabe Garvens and Samuel Garvens.
The funeral was Saturday in Austin.