George R. Brooks, 83, of Cairo died Thursday, Dec. 26, 2002, at Parkview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Paducah, Ky.

He was born July 10, 1919, in Blandville, Ky., son of George and Beatrice Elizabeth Hoskins Brooks.

He owned Garden Inn Motel prior to retiring. He was a member of Cairo Baptist Church. He was a member of Cairo Masonic Lodge 237 AF&AM, serving many years as past master, past eminent commander and past secretary. He was also a York Rite and Scottish Rite Mason.

He was a veteran of World War II and received a Purple Heart.

Survivors include two nephews, William Brooks of Wickliffe, Ky., and Greg Brooks of Tyler, Texas.

He was preceded in death by a brother.

Friends may call at Barkett Funeral Home in Cairo from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday. A Masonic service will be held at 7.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, with Dr. Larry L. Potts officiating. Burial will be in Beechwood Cemetery at Mounds, Ill.