Robert Brooke, 84 of Newark passed away Saturday, October 24, 2009 at his home. He was born March 23, 1925 in Jeffersonville, Indiana; the second son of George E and Mona (Edwards) Brooke. The family moved to Newark in 1927. Shortly thereafter Bob was baptized at St. John?s United Church of Christ, where he remained a member. Bob attended Maholm, Hartzler, and Central Elementary Schools during his younger years. He attended Wilson Junior High School and graduated from Newark High School in 1943. Shortly after graduation he was drafted into the U.S. Navy. He was stationed in the Pacific theatre, where he served as a Seabee from 1943 until his discharge in 1946. As a young man Bob studied dance at home with Dobbie and Helen Hempleman. After returning to Newark for two years; in 1948 Bob decided to pursue a career in the theatre and moved to New York City. While in New York he attended the Dramatic Workshop of the New School for Social Research. He appeared in an off Broadway show. When Bob returned to Newark in 1953 he worked a short time at Roper and with the Sate Highway Department. In 1954 he was hired at Kaiser Aluminum where he worked until his retirement in 1987. He also worked for the Kroger Co. from 1961 until 1985. In 1953 Bob joined the Druids Lodge. He held offices of Noble Arch, 1954; Noble Grand Arch, 1969; Supreme Arch, 1970-71; International Vice President of the IGLD, 1979-81; and the International President of the IGLD, 1981. He has attended 12 International Congresses and has traveled to Germany, Norway, England, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Sweden, Russia, Finland, Singapore, Hong Kong, France, Holland, Belgium, Luxemburg, Italy, Austria, Spain, Portugal and Scotland. He helped to start lodges in Suriname, Washington, D.C., St. Louis, MO and in Alaska. He has also attended several of the California Druid Conventions. In addition, Bob is a 50 year member of the Madison Grange, a charter member of the Licking Valley Lion?s Club where he served as President in 2003. He is a member of the Kaiser Retirees, having served as President and Entertainment Chairman. He had been a member of Crusader Masonic Lodge since 1971, serving as Master in 1978, 1985 and again in 1990. From 1990-93 he served as District Education Officer for the 19th Masonic District and was President of the 19th district form 1999-2000. Bob is survived by his loving wife Sandy (Simpson) Brooke, whom he married in 1973; his children, Lori Orr, Tracy Clay, and Julie Barcus; 3 grandchildren, a great grandchild; step-children, Robert Jones, Vicki Fodor, and Brian Jones; 6 step-grandchildren; 1 step-grandchild; 1 step-great grandchild; a sister in-law, Mary Brooke; and two nieces. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, David Brooke; and a step great granddaughter. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at the Newark Chapel of Vensil-Orr & Chute Funeral Home, 1850 W. Main Street, Newark. Masonic Services will begin at 8:00 p.m. Wednesday followed by Druids Services. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home with Rev. Mark Katrick officiating. Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice or a charity of choice.