CAMBRIDGE - Paul Rue Brooks died on Jan. 16, 2016. Born on July 31, 1922 in Cambridge, Dorchester County, Md. He was the son of the late Glesner Neild and Hattie Clayton Brooks, and the grandson of Joseph W. Brooks and Nicey Neild Brooks of Woolford, and John M. Clayton and Laurena Simmons Clayton of Hoopersville. He attended Dorchester County public schools and Western Maryland College (now McDaniel) and was in the class of '43. Upon graduation he proudly served in WW ll in the 232nd Army ordinance in both the European and the Pacific theaters. He was honorably discharged in Oct. 1945 with the rank of Captain. On October 14, 1950 he married the former Virginia Garland Lipsey of Alleghany County, Va. The couple celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in Oct. 2015. In 1950, he established Brooks Barrel Company and operated it for 41 years. This was one of the last manufacturers of slack cooperage (wooden barrels) in the country. Even though the company is no longer in business, examples of these barrels, planters and displays can still be found in a variety of locations. Mr. Brooks was a family man who enjoyed the outdoors. While he enjoyed hunting in his earlier years, Mr. Brooks spent countless hours boating and fishing in the Choptank River, Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. He shared this passion with many great friends by often inviting others to go for a boat ride. He lived a full life enjoying travel in the US and overseas until his latter years. Mr. Brooks was a member of Christ Episcopal Church, American Legion Post 91, VFW Post 7460, Cambridge Yacht Club, Dorchester County Historical Society, Dorchester Center for the Arts, South Dorchester Folk Museum, and The Rotary Club as a Paul Harris Fellow. Surviving is his wife, Ginger Brooks of Cambridge and two daughters; Jane Linder and husband Allen of Cedar Park, Texas, Mary Calloway and husband Mike also of Cambridge; two grandsons: Derek Rue Wanex, Richard Brooks Wanex and his wife, Dena; and two great granddaughters Brooke and Amy Wanex all of Cambridge. Also surviving are three nephews Jack, Bill and Joe Brooks and their families. A memorial service will be held Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016 beginning 11:00 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, Church and High Streets. Family will receive friends the hour prior to the service. Officiating at the service will be Pastor Robert White, Rector. Inurnment will follow in the adjourning churchyard at a later date. Memorial offerings may be made in Mr. Brooks' memory to Christ Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 456, Cambridge, Md., 21613. Arrangements entrusted to Newcomb Collins Funeral Home, P.A. Cambridge. To share online condolences please visit www.newcombcollins.com