Jerry “Mel” Brookman, 66, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, entered into the presence of the Lord on March 4, 2026. He was born on October 17, 1959, in Jefferson County, Illinois.
Mel is survived by his children, Heather (Brad) Stephenson, Melanie Brookman, and Jaime (Aaron) Beveridge; his grandchildren, Nathan (Kylee) Rector, Samantha (Collin) Klinger, Mikenzie Alvis, and James Beveridge; and his great-grandchildren, Kayson Rector and Addie K.
He is also survived by his parents, Jerry and Merrillyn (Duncan) Brookman; his siblings, Jena (Glenn) Schierbaum and Brent (Kathy) Brookman; and several nieces and nephews: Amber (Nate) Eaton, Wes (Teri) Schumm, Dustin (Amber) Schierbaum, Cody (Megan) Swartz, Brandon (Lacy) Brookman, Teresa (Casey) Hails, Danielle (Jesse) Thompson, Emily (Jared) Brookman, and Ethan Brookman. Mel is also survived by his partner, Tish Palmer.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Cindy Brookman, and his brother, Lyle Brookman.
Mel built a long and respected career as a union carpenter and later as a union millwright. He was the owner and operator of SA/NAT Industrial Construction and Brookman Farms. In addition to his professional work, Mel served his community faithfully as a township supervisor for many years and was a member of the Farm Bureau.
Mel’s greatest passion was farming. He loved raising cattle and swine and working the land that meant so much to him. When he wasn’t farming, he enjoyed watching the New England Patriots play football and spending time outdoors deer and quail hunting.
Mel will be remembered for his strong work ethic, love of the land, and devotion to family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A visitation will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. A funeral service will be held Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 11:00 am at Wayne City Baptist Church in Wayne City, Illinois, with Marty Mills officiating. Interment will follow at Harmony Cemetery in Mount Vernon. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Harmony Cemetery Fund and will be accepted at the funeral home.
