Search by Name

Search by Name

Colby Brooks Obituary

Colby L. Brooks
White Hall - Colby L. Brooks, 53, of White Hall, died Saturday, August 16, 2025, at his home. He was born September 21, 1971, in Frankfort, Germany, the son of Lloyd L. and Joyce "Bitsy" Early Brooks. He married Lyndsey Craigmiles on October 16, 2004, in Jacksonville, and she survives.
Colby is also survived by his two daughters, Reese Ann and Avery Gollier, both of Jacksonville; his mother, Joyce "Bitsy" (Bill) Hamm of White Hall, siblings Christian (Stacey) Brooks of White Hall, Leslie Brooks of Bluffs, Brian (Crista) Hamm of Jerseyville, and Jami (Brett) Ornellas of Foley, Alabama. He was preceded in death by his father.
Colby graduated from North Greene High School in 1989 and attended one year at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Colby graduated from Mid-America College of Funeral Service in Jeffersonville, Indiana the following year. Colby served as a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer for Airsman-Hires Funeral Homes for nearly 30 years. Throughout his career, Colby touched countless lives with his dedication, compassion, and professionalism in serving families during their time of need. In addition, Colby farmed his family's farm in Greene County and had also raised hogs on the farm.
Colby was a member of All Saints Catholic Church in White Hall and also attended the Church of Our Saviour in Jacksonville. He served on the Calvary Cemetery board, North Greene Education Board, and was a Greene County Township Supervisor. Colby volunteered countless hours as a member of the Ansar Shrine and Tin Lizzies and participated in many parades throughout the region. He was known for his thoughtful good nature, humor, and calling in birthdays to the radio.
Above all else, Colby was a dedicated father. He was a constant presence in the lives of his daughters, Reese and Avery, never missing any of their activities. Despite the demands of his profession, Colby was there for his girls.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Church of Our Saviour in Jacksonville, with burial to follow at White Hall Cemetery. A prayer service will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. on Friday at Williamson Funeral Home, where the family will meet friends from 3 to 7 p.m. Masonic rites will be held 7 p.m. following the visitation. Memorials are suggested to the Brooks Education Fund, to benefit Reese and Avery, being established at the Farmers State Bank in White Hall, or Shriners Hospitals for Children. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Jacksonville Journal-Courier on Aug. 19, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Colby Brooks

Not sure what to say?





Lisa Newingham Wilkinson

August 22, 2025

My condolences to the family and friends.
I don't know him all that well but when I met him he had a big heart he knew just to help u get through a difficult time.
I am sorry for the loss

Susan Weeks

August 20, 2025

He was a wonderful man and always had a smile and a special hello. I thought sooo much of him. Prayers and hugs to his mom Bitsy and special aunt Janet.

DIXIE CRAYS

August 20, 2025

Colby was one of the most loving and compassionate men I have ever met!!! My family and I have had such a wonderful relationship with Colby and all who worked by his side. We had lost five of our closest family members in six years. Through the toughest days in my sister and my life, we had Colby and all those at Williamson endure this very hard years!!! They made us feel so loved and they always greeted us with a hug and smile.
Colby is going to be so GREATLY MISSED!!!
THANK YOU COLBY FOR ALL YOUR HUGS AND SMILES AND FOR SHOWING THE LOVE YOU HAD IN YOUR HEART!!! YOU MADE A DIFFERENCE IN THIS WORLD WITH YOUR COMPASSION FOR OTHERS!!!
WHEN I THINK OF COLBY IT ALWAYS BRINGS A SMILE TO MY FACE, REMEMBERING HOW HIS EYES WOULD LIGHT UP AND ALWAYS COMING FOR THAT HUG MY SISTER AND I WOULD GIVE!!!

Bernidean Mason

August 20, 2025

Colby was one of the nicest men there could be. So helpful and showing others who have had loss so much compassion and help. Just feel so sorry for his family and pray for them in the coming days ahead.

Bryan McMillen

August 19, 2025

Terrible loss for the Brooks Family. Sending prayers and my condolences. One of the best guys you'll ever meet. R.I.P. Colby.

Reg Wood

August 19, 2025

Colby wasn't just a co-worker, he was a friend. Praying for the family.

Karen (Lemons) Downs

August 19, 2025

My deepest sympathy to Colby´s family and friends. Such a tremendous loss to the communities he served so well. I never saw Colby without receiving a warm smile and friendly chat. He will be greatly missed!

Susie bridgeman

August 18, 2025

The kindest most genuine person. Just a grat person.

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results

Make a Donation
in Colby Brooks's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Colby Brooks

Aug

22

Visitation

3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Williamson Funeral Home

1405 Lincoln Avenue, Jacksonville, IL 62650

Aug

23

Funeral service

10:00 a.m.

Church of Our Saviour

500 E. State St., Jacksonville, IL 62650

How to support Colby's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Colby Brooks's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more