Lawrence W. Brooks, 88, of Wareham passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Nov. 18 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Priscilla F. Brooks.

Lawrence was born on Nov. 27, 1927 to John and Jean Brooks. He enlisted in the Merchant Marines at the age of 16 and served aboard Liberty Ships that transported goods, materials and troops across the Atlantic during World War II.

After his wartime service, Larry went to work for Powers Regulator Company as a service representative, and later as their service salesman until his retirement.

Larry was most proud of his service to his country as a Merchant Marine and worked tirelessly with the National Merchant Marines Veterans Association to gain veteran status recognition to Merchant Marines who served. He later started the New England Merchant Marine Chapter and later served as National President of the American Merchant Marine Veterans Association.

Survivors include his wife, Priscilla F. Brooks of Wareham; his sons, Wayne C. Brooks and his wife Rosemarie of Waltham and Roger P. Brooks and his wife Maureen of Bonita Springs, Florida; his brother, David Brooks and his wife Ruth of Patten, Maine; his loving grandchildren, Christopher Brooks, Patrick Brooks, Shawn Brooks, Kaitalyn Brooks, Meghan Brooks and Matthew Brooks.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit on Monday, Nov. 21 at the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Highway (Rt. 28), Wareham from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.

For directions and online guestbook visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com.