Clarence Francis Brookins, Jr.

Clarence Francis Brookins, Jr., of Northville, Michigan passed away on May 16th, 2023. He was 79 years old. Clarence was born in Olean, New York. After graduating from Olean High School in 1961, he began his studies at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Before graduation, he joined the U.S. Army, serving as a Captain with the 1st Cavalry Division and the 38th Field Artillery Regiment. During the Vietnam War, Clarence piloted the CH-47 Chinook helicopter, earning a Vietnam Service medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, an Army Commendation Medal, and the Air Medal with 22 oak leaf clusters. He then completed his degree at the University of Tulsa and graduated in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. Following his graduation, Clarence pursued his engineering career at Gulf Oil in Texas, before relocating to Michigan and joining Detroit Edison. Clarence is survived by his wife, Christine Brookins, children Brigeth Brookins (John Kujundzich) and Jeffrey Brookins (Jennifer Dunn), his siblings Robert Brookins, Corrynne Gerwitz (Leonard), Jacqueline Delcambre (Ronald), Claresse Little (James), brother-in-law Henry Kowal (Phyllis), and many loving nieces and nephews. Clarence is preceded in death by his parents, Sonja and Clarence Francis Brookins Sr., sister-in-law Barbara Brookins, and parents-in-law Stanley and Brigeth Kowal. Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation at the Stanley Turowski Funeral Home, 25509 W. Warren, Dearborn Heights on Monday, May 22nd from 2:00-8:00pm with a rosary service at 7:00pm. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, May 23rd at the Church of the Divine Child, 1055 Silvery Ln, Dearborn, at 12:00pm, instate beginning at 11:30 am; followed by a luncheon. His committal service will be on Wednesday, May 24th, at 2:30pm at Great Lakes National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or K9s for Warriors. The family of Clarence wish to thank the medical team at Beaumont Hospital, Dearborn, for their compassion and dedicated professionalism.