Fourth Generation Florida Cattleman, Herschel Alva Rooks, Sr., born May 30, 1927 in Citrus County, Fl., entered into rest March 7 in Madison County.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Karla Calvert Rooks; sisters: Fay Johnson and Bertha May Landrum and brothers: Leroy and Edwin.
He is survived by his daughters: Bertha Rooks Allen and husband Gordie of Winter Garden, Fl., Catherine Rooks Cassidy and husband Bart of Madison, Fl.; son, Herschel Rooks, Jr. and wife Toby; grandchildren: Herschel Rooks III and great granddaughter, Alivia Rooks, of Madison, Shonna Silvernell and husband Robb of Valdosta, Ga. and great grandson, Robbie, Jr.; grandson Micah Linton and wife Elisa and two great grandsons, Dylan and Dustin of Fort Lewis, Wa.
In September 1961, an article in The Tampa Tribune titled, “Up-Grading Range Cattle Pays Off for Citrus County Ranch,” brothers Edwin and Herschel were credited with long-range planning of their calf herd to breed some of the finest bloodlines to go to market. At the time, Quentin Medlin, County Agent for Citrus County, commented that, “If all of Florida ranches were as well planned and as carefully managed as the Rooks Ranch, Florida would be producing the south’s finest cattle.” Herschel was a member of The Florida Cattlemans’s Association and the First United Methodist Church of Madison.
He was an avid hunter and outdoor sportsman who hosted hunting camps for friends and family for over 22 years. He was a member of the National Rifle Association and a veteran of World War II, formerly serving in the U.S. Navy.
There will be 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. visitation Friday, March 11 at Beggs Funeral Home, 235 NW Orange Ave., Madison. (850) 973-2258.
A funeral service will be held 3 p.m., Saturday, March 12 at the First United Methodist Church of Madison, followed by internment at the family gravesite at the Ebenezer Cemetery.
Beggs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangement (850) 973-2258.
You may send your condolences to the family by visiting the website at www.beggsfuneral.com.