Born Paton Lee Brooks known by most as Pate Lee Brooks was man born on a plantation in October 21, 1939 in Bolivar County - Perthshire, Mississippi to the union of William and Mariah Brooks. He was the eight of nine children with four brothers who all preceded him in death (Will, Leon, JB and JD Brooks) and four sisters who all preceded him in death (Virginia, Henrietta, Ollie and Mary Lee).

All of his life Pate was known as a hardworking, he worked in the fields in Mississippi for many years then moved to Memphis and then Illinois where he worked in the Hillside Rock Quarry until he had a work-related accident which he loss 2 fingers. He later begins working for Midwest Operating Engineer Local 150 as an Operating Engineer working on most heavy equipment and working many major constructions sites throughout Chicago and Chicagoland suburbs. He retired after 40 years of service but was extremely proud to point and tell you about the different site or major buildings that he was part of building. He instilled in his children that education and hard work is the way to succeed in life.

He married his first love Addie Russell and had 3 beautiful children 2 daughters Cherry and Cynthia and 1 son Christopher. He then remarried to his second wife Jane in 1988.

Pate was an avid car and motorcycle collector, he loved fast cars and motorcycles. He loved his family, outings and holiday get togethers we had each and every holiday. He was always smiling and joyful. As he aged, he became very helpful to others, if you needed something he was always there to help. Many people that knew would say how much they liked and appreciated him for his kindness.

He leaves behind to cherish his memories his children, Cherry (Terry) Smith, Cynthia (Danny) Guzman, son Christopher (Eloise) Brooks; grandchildren Christopher Brooks Jr., Cherteria Smith, Cherelle Bilal, Terry Jr (Mykala) Smith, Jeremiah Brooks and Erik Pullin; and great-grandchildren Jordan Huddleston, Roosevelt Huddleston, Elijah Huddleston, Arielle Trimble, Jace Welch, Alysse Smith and Jacob Smith; and a host of nieces, nephews' other family and friends.

Visitation, Friday May 19, 2023 from 10:00am until time of service 11:00am at Hursen Funeral Home & Crematory, SW corner of Roosevelt & Mannheim Roads, Hillside, IL 60162. Interment Concordia Cemetery.

Info: 800-562-0082