Bill Brooks

Fort Worth - Bill R. Brooks, a devoted family man and proud Fightin' Texas Aggie whose vision and drive led to a lifetime of business success, died peacefully on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at the age of 93.

Bill was born September 5, 1932, in Joshua, Texas, to Vernon and Marie Brooks. His character was forged in the small Johnson County town while growing up during the Depression and World War II. Bill played football, basketball and baseball at Joshua High School before graduating in 1948. (Years later, he was inducted into the Joshua Basketball Hall of Fame. He was joined in the Hall by his nephew, Randy, who affectionately called him "Corky.") 

Bill's intellect and resolve were sharpened at Texas A&M, from which he graduated in 1954. After college, he joined the U.S. Air Force and became a pilot, primarily flying C-124 Globemasters out of Carswell Air Force Base. He spoke with pride about serving with the Strategic Air Command during the Cold War, defying the Soviet menace. Bill retired as a lieutenant colonel from the Air Force Reserves on September 5, 1992.

He married Betty J. Sarten in 1958, and they raised two daughters, Kelly and Tracey, in Fort Worth. Bill took a job with Aetna Life Insurance Co. in 1958, rising to become manager of the group division. In 1976, he started Fringe Benefit Management, offering an innovative approach to group insurance. In 1981 he created FBH Inc. and Fringe Benefit Life Insurance Co. Over the course of his career, he earned respect for his loyalty, integrity and hard work, and he was asked to serve on several company boards.

In his free time, he liked tennis, golf, racquetball, hunting and vacations with his family. His favorite weekend activity was gathering with friends or family for barbecue and beer at Railhead.

Bill dearly loved his daughters, was a dedicated grandfather, and was committed to helping friends in times of need. Beyond his family, Bill's greatest passions were Texas A&M and the Corps of Cadets.

Bill's wife, Betty, died in 2012. He is survived by Kelly Keller and her husband, Robert, and Tracey Neilson and her husband, Hugh, as well as his grandchildren, Brooks and Sarah Keller and Ali Thorburn. He will also be greatly missed by many nieces and nephews.

A family memorial service will be held later. For those who would like to remember Bill with a contribution, the family suggests donations to the Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Association, 1134 Finfeather Road, Bryan, TX 77803.