Howard Holbrooks Obituary

Dr. Howard Holbrooks

Dr. Howard Ray Holbrooks, 44, of Lawrence, KS passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2013 in Lawrence, KS.

He was born in Ft. McClellan, Alabama on May 27, 1968 to Owen Holbrooks and Judy Silver. He attended Santa Fe Trail High School in Carbondale, KS and graduated in 1986 where he was a KSHSAA Academic Athlete, All State Football, All League Football, State Wrestling participant, Shrine Bowl Athlete and Kansas Boy State attendee.

He then continued his education and football career at Coffeyville Community College, Coffeyville, KS where he was the first athlete from Coffeyville Community College to have the honor of being selected by the NJCAA as an Academic All-American. He was selected to serve as Team Captain for the 1987 Red Raven football team, and at the end of his juco career, received Honorable Mention as linebacker on the NJCAA All-American Team. Howard continued his education and his football career at Washburn University, Topeka, KS, where he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity. Among the many honors Howard garnered during his career at Washburn University are: NAIA Academic All-American, MIAA All-Conference, Who's Who Among American Colleges and Universities, NAIA Scholar, Washburn University Academic Excellence Award, Washburn University Biology Scholar, Walt Disney NCAA Post-Graduate Scholarship Finalist.

Upon his graduation from Washburn University, he entered the University of Kansas School of Medicine where he earned his M.D. degree in May 1995. He then enlisted in the United States Army and was assigned to Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center, Brooke Army Medical Center, and Irwin Army Community Hospital at Fort Riley, KS. Dr. Holbrooks chief duties included, Medical Director of the Anesthesia/Preoperative Services; Medical Director of ICU/PACU; Medical Director of Respiratory Care, and Medical Director of Ambulatory Care Center. He later concluded his Army career as a Major in the United States Army back in his home state of Kansas. He received the following honors and achievements in the U.S Army: Outstanding Intern of the Year at Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center, U.S. Army Achievement Medal, Outstanding Anesthesia Resident before entering into private practice in Granbury, Texas. While in Granbury, TX. Dr. Holbrooks was Chief of the Anesthesiology Department at Lake Granbury Medical Center and was Co-Owner of River Valley Anesthesia and Pain Management in Granbury prior to moving back to Lawrence, KS.

He was a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church. He enjoyed golfing and traveling with his family. One of his strongest attributes was his genuine care and welfare for others. He will be remembered for his dedication to not only all of his patients, but for all of his many colleagues, employees, and friends that he interacted with.

He is survived by his wife Sarah of 21 years, son Jake along with daughters Hannah and Ella all of Lawrence; brother Bob and spouse Denita Holbrooks, Piedmont, AL; brother Patrick & spouse Sondra Holbrooks, Piedmont, AL: sister Bonnie and spouse Jeff Gibson, Olathe, KS; sister Heather and spouse Steve Newell of Topeka, KS; sister Julie and spouse Ben Seidle, Fort Collins, CO; step father Don Silver of Carbondale, KS; In-Laws, Harold and Jackie Thomas of Coffeyville, KS; brother in law David and spouse Sandy Thomas of Lincoln, NE; sister in law Debbie and spouse Brian Baker of Derby, KS: sister in law Susan and spouse Matt Lomshek of Lawrence, KS; 10 Nieces and 6 Nephews. He is preceded in death by his father Owen Holbrooks, mother Judy Silver, and brother Billy Holbrooks.

The Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 a.m. On Tuesday, February 12th at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lawrence.

The family suggests a memorial contribution to the Dr. Howard Holbrooks Family Fund, c/o Fidelity Charitable. Please make the check payable to Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund and reference the Dr. Howard Holbrooks Family Fund, account number 1048157. You are welcome to drop or mail contributions to Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Warren-McElwain Mortuary or directly to Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund at P.O. Box 770001, Cincinnati, Ohio 45277-0053. The Fund has been set up for scholarships, donations, and contributions in Dr. Howard Holbrooks name benefiting: The ALS Society, Coffeyville Community College Endowment Association, Santa Fe Trail High School, Corpus Christi Catholic School within the communities that include Lawrence, Coffeyville, and Carbondale.

Online condolences may be sent to www.warrenmcelwain.com.

Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Feb. 9, 2013.
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To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Howard Holbrooks

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Bonnie & Family,
Just found about about Howard. He certainly accomplished a lot in his short life. We will all see him again in that very beautiful happy place.
Sending love,
Bonnie Walker Warner

February 20, 2013

Bonnie and family, I just learned that Howard went home...what a glorious reunion that must have been! May God comfort you all with loving memories and know that there is no more suffering.

Wendy Pritchett

February 20, 2013

Bonnie and family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Rhonda Thornburgh

February 15, 2013

Bonnie and family - I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Jodi Johnson - Ball

February 14, 2013

I went to school with Howard. He was talented and a great guy. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Dawn Brooks- Bombardier

February 13, 2013

I am truly sorry for your loss. Howard and I were childhood friends, and I could not have asked for a better one. He was someone I truly respected. The world has lost one of it's greats, and I mourn for that loss. My condolences to you and your family.

Brian Hall

February 13, 2013

u have always had a special place in my heart an now a sad place love u .thinking about your familey an their loss love aunt charmion

February 12, 2013

Howard, you will be missed, you will continue to live in our memory's. Your kindness, will be a breeze on a summer day, your competitive nature will bring a smile at a high school football game and your smile, will be seen in the smile of your children. My prayers and thoughts are with Sarah, the kids, Bonnie, Pat, Bobby, Heather, Julie & Don, may you find comfort in each other, friends and family.

Melissa Brittain

February 12, 2013

Sarah, Lora and my mom mentioned that Howard had passed away. I didnt know him and I have not seen you in many many years. I was thinking of the great loss it is for you. People dont stay together like you and Howard have. It sounds like you are very proud wife and mother. I truely admire your family. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Linda Reardon Daily

February 11, 2013

I remember Howard from highschool. He was an outstanding person and i was very blessed to know him. Very proud of all his accomplishments in such a short life. So sorry for your loss.

Tammy Padgett-Roach

February 11, 2013

I am very honored and privileged to have known Dr. Holbrooks for the time I was blessed with. He was a great man...

Matthew Mikel

February 11, 2013

Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your beloved husband and to your precious children, the loss of their very special father. Stephen and Valerie have told us so much about your loving family. Please know that we have you in our thoughts and prayers. Jerry and Sylvia Wilkenfeld

Jerry and Sylvia Wilkenfeld

February 10, 2013

Sorry for your loss

barbara starkebaum kuney

February 10, 2013

Sorry for your loss, As you already know Howard was amazing. May God be with all of your family at this time and always.

Linda Lang

February 9, 2013

May the Lord give your family peace and comfort at this time of your loss. We admired Howard very much and thought he was a wonderful man, husband and father.

Marcia & Leonard Atchison

February 9, 2013

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