Anson N. Brookens

Anson Neff Brookens, 81, of McElhatten, passed away on Oct. 2, 2022, at home surrounded by his children.

Anson was born in Renovo, Pa., on March 16, 1941.

He graduated from Renovo High School. He entered the Army and served during the Vietnam War. Upon discharge, he returned home and worked for American Color and Chemical for 13 years. He then worked for and retired from Hammermill Paper Company.

Anson most enjoyed spending time with his family. He was an avid outdoorsman, whether it was counting down the days to hunting and fishing season or spending time in his garden.

Anson married Lois Irene Bower on July 29. They were together for 54 years and raised four children.

Anson is survived by his children: Mark William (Amy) Bower, John Thomas Bower, Matthew Jeffery (Crystal) Brookens, and Teresa Lynn (Boyd) Lucas; 10 grandchildren: Joshua Bower, Stephanie Kleese, Matthew Bower, John Bower, Cruson Bower, Cody Brookens, Morgan Brookens, Jessica Lunsford, Scott Holter and Justin Lucus; and his 13 great-grandchildren.

Anson was preceded in death by his wife, Lois; his parents, Alvin and Lucille Brookens; his four brothers, Raymond Brookens, Ronald Brookens, Alvin Brookens and Gary Brookens; and his three sisters, Shirley Omsted, Sandra Ropiza and Diane Bilbay.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, at Helt Funeral Chapel in Mill Hall. Pastor Janice Heiser will be officiating.

Visitation will be held at 11 a.m. with the funeral services immediately following at 12 noon. Burial will follow the funeral at Rest Haven Memorial Park with full military honors.

Anson had a never-ending love of animals - there was never a hungry stray in his neighborhood. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Clinton County SPCA.

The family of Anson Brookens wishes to thank the wonderful medical staff at the State College Veterans Administration for all of their care and compassion.