Russell Brooks Fleig

Russell Brooks Fleig, age 76, departed this planet for eternity October 2. 2011.

Born November 22, 1934 in Vinton, LA and raised primarily in Orange, TX, Brooks was a graduate of Orangefield High school, New Mexico Military Institute and Sam Houston State University. Brooks served in the U.S. Army 532nd Military Intelligence from 1957 to 1960 stationed in Hof, West Germany. His service as a cryptograph operator highlighted by intelligence gathering trips into communist East Germany.

Upon his discharge, Brooks moved to Greenville, TX to manage Sabine Title Company.

In 1961 he married Catherine Ann Flood, a children's clothing designer from San Antonio, TX. They parented two children: Russell Christopher (1963) and Catherine Marie (1967). Brooks turned his hobby of Scuba diving into a creative outlet when he founded Caribbean Productions, Inc and produced the full-length documentary SCUBA in 1972.

The power of a living God entered Brook's life in 1974 and led him to Choupique, Louisiana to found "The Shepherd's Rest", a Christian retreat, park and crisis ministry.

Over the next thirty years his ministry grew to include police Chaplin for Sulphur Police department, Calcasieu Parish Sheriffs department, Calcasieu Correctional Center and pastor for Faith Temple church.

Brooks was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis and throat cancer in 2009. His final years spent with many friends and family celebrating life's accomplishments and memories many times over a game of dominos.

Brooks is survived by his brother, John A. Fleig and wife Barbara (Babs); his wife and companion of 50 years, Catherine Ann (Kit) Fleig; two daughters, Tuja Stuard and Catherine Marie (Cam) Sharpe; one son, Russell Christopher Fleig; and eight grand children.

Visitation will be Tuesday, October 4th from 4 to 9pm at Victory Worship Center, 1410 W. Napoleon St., Sulphur. Memorial service to be held Wednesday 10am at Victory.

The family extends a special thank you to Melinda Kellar and the hospice caregivers at Brighton Bridge. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Victory Worship Center or the Shepherd's Rest.