Ronald "Popz" L. Brooks

Ronald “Popz” L. Brooks, age 74, of Topeka, KS, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Stormont Vail Hospital.

He was born the son of Magellan and Primrose (Smith) Brooks on September 27, 1951, in Hannibal, MO. He attended and graduated from Anderson Senior High School in 1969. Popz furthered his education and attended Bacone College in Muskogee, OK.

Following college, Popz entered the skilled labor trade as a paint technician for Harley Davidson Motorcycles. He then worked for General Motors on the assembly line for 10 years. After retirement, Popz worked part-time as a parking attendant for Kansan Towers Apartments, truly enjoying the people and relationships he created. He loved to travel, cook, dance, and his family brought him the greatest joy, especially being a grandfather to his grandchildren. Popz could light up a room with smile, kindness, and willingness to visit with any stranger. His love of his family and friends will be cherished.

Popz was a member of St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church in Kansas City. He married his beloved sweetheart, Lidia Huerta on October 16, 2010, in Topeka, sharing 17 years of enjoyment, happiness, and creating memories.

Survivors include his children, Wendell Crumes(Shama), Rahsaan J. Brooks, Armando Huerta (Patricia), Alejandro “Alex” Valdez (Andrea), and Marissa Valdez; as well as his siblings, Miller Hill, Aline Taylor, Paula Skaggs, and Annettia Rankin (Ronnie). Other survivors include his 10 cherished grandchildren and one great-grandson and a loving extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Ludia Patterson and Joyce Hudson, and a brother Magellan Brooks, Jr.

Memorial visitation will be held from 10-11:00 A.M., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 A.M., on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home. Following the service, inurnment will take place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery-Holy Trinity Mausoleum.

Memorial contributions can be made in Popz's memory to Big Brothers Big Sisters in care of the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.