2023 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 129
BY SENATOR FIELDS
A RESOLUTION
To express the sincere condolences of the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the
death of Maelen Charles "Choo-Choo" Brooks.
WHEREAS, it was with profound sorrow that the Senate of the Legislature of
Louisiana learned that Maelen Charles "Choo-Choo" Brooks, departed this life on Sunday,
May 14, 2023, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, Maelen Charles "Choo-Choo" Brooks was the son of the late Charles
Brooks and the late Inez Smith Brooks, born in Ross, California, on January 8, 1946; and
WHEREAS, he spent his childhood in California, Alaska, and Chicago, finally
making Baton Rouge, Louisiana, his home; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Brooks was educated at his beloved McKinley Senior High School,
where he was a member of the graduating class of 1964; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Brooks succeeded both in and out of the classroom, excelling in
academics and sports; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Brooks was an All-American football player and captain of the
track and field teams; and
WHEREAS, in his track events, Mr. Brooks was known for his speed, running the
100-, 200-, and 400-yard dashes, the third leg on the 4x400 meter relay, and the anchor leg
on the 4x100 meter relay; and
WHEREAS, as a high school junior in 1963, Mr. Brooks was state champion in the
100-yard dash; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Brooks was also a part of the 1963-1964 District Champions Track
& Field team, where he helped lead his team to victory; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Brooks later took his talents to Grambling State University where
he played football under the legendary Coach Eddie G. Robinson Sr.; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Brooks was a member of the winning All-American Conference
Page 1 of 3 SR NO. 129 ENROLLED
Championship team of 1965; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Brooks was introduced to Jehovah Witness at an early age under
the direction of his mother, and on December 18, 1993, he committed to the truth for
himself, living twenty-nine years in the truth until his transition; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Brooks attended the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Baton
Rouge located on 22nd Street, and his faith was strong as he went door-to-door as a devoted
Witness, preaching and teaching the good news of God's incoming kingdom according to
Matthew 24:14; and
WHEREAS, service to others was Mr. Brooks' calling; "Coach Choo", as he was
affectionately called by many, filled the roles of mentor, coach, advisor, and spiritual
counselor through his commitment with the South Baton Rouge Rams, Keeping Young
(K-Y) Track Club, BREC, and Sports Academy; and
WHEREAS, he served over forty years with the Lester Robinson BREC Sports
Academy, retiring in 2013, but continuing to have a significant impact on youth in his
community; and
WHEREAS, widely known as "Choo-Choo", Mr. Brooks was both a respected
member of his community and a friend to the community in which he lived and served; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Brooks married the love of his life, Martha King Brooks, on
August 21, 1993, and they enjoyed the excellence of love found in 1 Corinthians 12:4-8 until
her death; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Brooks was a father figure to many, sharing a unique bond with the
Smothers children after the death of their mother; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Brooks was preceded in death by his mother, Inez Smith Brooks;
his father, Charles Brooks; his wife, Martha King Brooks; and his grandparents, Olivia and
Charlie Smith; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Brooks leaves to cherish his memory two sisters, Bonnie Brooks
and Puneller Harden of Baton Rouge, and a host of family and friends, especially those he
loved and coached as children; he will truly be missed; and
WHEREAS, a farewell to Coach Choo would not be complete without yelling,
"When you gon run?".
Page 2 of 3 SR NO. 129 ENROLLED
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
expresses heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Maelen Charles
"Choo-Choo" Brooks.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
family of Maelen Charles "Choo-Choo" Brooks.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
Page 3 of 3