Shannon Michael Brooks

Shannon Michael Brooks passed away on February 7, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri, after suffering a massive heart attack while sitting in his beloved car, listening to a KU game—one of the many things he loved most.

Shannon was born on October 8, 1964, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Barry Brooks and Vicki Sanders.

He graduated from Shawnee Mission West High School in 1983 and went on to attend the University of Kansas. Shannon was an exceptional track athlete, earning numerous titles, records, and awards during his high school career. His talent earned him a scholarship to the University of Kansas—an accomplishment he remained incredibly proud of throughout his life. He often shared his impressive running times, including a 10K time of 32:45 and a 5K time of 14:25.

Shannon had many passions in life. Golf was one of his greatest loves, and in his early twenties he pursued the dream of becoming a professional golfer. He loved the game, the camaraderie of his golf buddies, and traveling to play in tournaments and experience courses across the country. One of his favorite places that he always hoped to return to was Lake Tahoe with its beautiful courses. Shannon often shared fond memories of golfing with his grandparents (Dr. Robert G. Brooks and Loula Louise Brooks) on the Prairie Dunes course in Hutchinson, Kansas whenever he visited.

Shannon was also a talented artist. At one point he owned an art gallery and created artwork for many Kansas City Chiefs players, something he took great pride in. Over the years he continued creating custom pieces for friends and family. One of his most treasured works was the piece he recently completed for his Uncle Pat Brooks for Christmas, which he spent countless hours perfecting.

For a time, Shannon worked in real estate with RE/MAX and enjoyed the experience and the relationships he made along the way. Ultimately, his dream was simple—to enjoy life, follow sports, and spend as much time as possible on the golf course.

Shannon had a deep love for sports, especially the University of Kansas. It felt fitting that on the day he passed; he was wearing his KU hat and golf apparel, dressed sharply and ready for a game or a round of golf.

Shannon is survived by his companion of more than 20 years, Sharon G. Aubuchon, and the furry companions he adored so much. He was their “Disney Daddy,” always playing with them, taking them to vet appointments, and spending his days caring for them. His beloved pets include Sadee Sue (“Bigga Badda”), Sophia (“Bear Cat” / “Nukie”), Snowflake Sue (“Flaky”), and his favorite, Cleopatra Sue (“Hubba Cat”). Everyone who knew Shannon knew that everyone—and every pet—had a nickname.

He is also survived by his father, Barry Brooks of Atlanta, Georgia; his daughter, Payton Brooks of New Orleans, Louisiana; his aunt and uncle, Paula and Pat Brooks of Mission Hills, Kansas; and his cousins Whitney and Pete Sadler (Lulu, Tommy, and Wells) of Mission Hills, Kansas; Robyn and Matt Sheehy (Charlie and Brooks) of Denver, Colorado; and Caroline and Matt Moran (Mae, Hayley, and Patrick) of Mission Hills, Kansas.

Shannon was preceded in death by his mother, Vicki L. Sanders, and his beloved grandparents, Dr. Robert G. and Loula Louis Brooks and Donald and Nonie Sanders.

A Celebration of Life service for Shannon will be held on Wednesday, April 29 at 2:00 p.m. The service will take place at Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Road, Prairie Village, Kansas 66208, in the Sanctuary. His favorite music will be played, and his favorite food—Mexican—will be served following the service. Family and friends are warmly invited to share their memories and stories of Shannon.

Shannon will be remembered for his quick wit, his passion for sports and golf, his artistic talent, and the love he shared with family, friends, and the many lives he touched.

Shannon's wishes were to be cremated and half of his ashes to go to a beautiful place in nature that he loved. The other half of his ashes will be buried with Family on Thursday, April 30th at 10:00 a.m. at Trusted Journey Cemetery in Parkville, MO with his beloved pets, where he will always be "Forever Our Daddy". A beautiful headstone and Tree of Life bench will also be placed in his memory.