Fate Martinez Rooks, Sr., passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2008. He was born in St. Louis to the union of Solomon and Bessie Rooks. Fate “Marty” Rooks’ early education occurred at Blessed Sacrament, and he completed his education in the St. Louis Public Schools, where he graduated from Soldan High School.
Marty was a dedicated and hard worker. He worked for General Motors Corporation until the plant closed, and had worked at Daimler-Chrysler Corporation for the past 22 years. His hobby was working on cars, with his first “baby” being a 1969 LeMans. His hobby enabled him to build a 1972 Malibu racecar in which he raced at the Gateway International Raceway Black Sunday Event.
Marty was active in his community, along with his wife Penny, and provided a nurturing home away from home for the children of their family and friends.
Marty leaves to cherish his memory, a devoted wife of 31 years, Vertrilla Penny Rooks; two daughters, Anita and Fa’tina (Howard); two sons, Marty and Stevie; four grandchildren, Jason Banks II, Ja’Cari “Moses”, De’Vion and Caleb Green and one unborn grandchild, Ayanna “Cricket” Christine Batchman.
He is also survived by his loving parents, Solomon and Bessie Rooks; two sisters, Lydia Swink and Cynthia Barnett; his aunt Armetta Whitmore (Artie), Uncle Henry Givens Jr. (Belma) and a host of other family members and friends.
Funeral services were held for Fate “Marty” Rooks, Sr. at Antioch Baptist Church on September 22 followed by burial at St. Peters Cemetery.
Marty will be sorely missed!