Dr. Howard Ray Holbrooks

Dr. Howard Ray Holbrooks, 44, of Lawrence, KS passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2013 in Lawrence, KS.
He was born in Ft. McClellan, Alabama on May 27, 1968 to Owen Holbrooks and Judy Silver. He attended Santa Fe Trail High School in Carbondale, KS and graduated in 1986 where he was a KSHSAA Academic Athlete, All State Football, All League Football, State Wrestling participant, Shrine Bowl Athlete and Kansas Boy State attendee.
He then continued his education and football career at Coffeyville Community College, Coffeyville, KS where he was the first athlete from Coffeyville Community College to have the honor of being selected by the NJCAA as an Academic All-American. He was selected to serve as Team Captain for the 1987 Red Raven football team, and at the end of his juco career, received Honorable Mention as linebacker on the NJCAA All- American Team. Howard continued his education and his football career at Washburn University, Topeka, KS, where he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity. Among the many honors Howard garnered during his career at Washburn University are: NAIA Academic All-American, MIAA All-Conference, Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities, NAIA Scholar, Washburn University Academic Excellence Award, Washburn University Biology Scholar, Walt Disney NCAA Post-Graduate Scholarship Finalist.
Upon his graduation from Washburn University, he entered the University of Kansas School of Medicine where he earned his M.D. degree in May 1995. He then enlisted in the United States Army and was assigned to Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center, Brooke Army Medical Center, and Irwin Army Community Hospital at Fort Riley, KS. Dr. Holbrooks chief duties included,MedicalDirector of the Anesthesia/ Preoperative Services; Medical Director of ICU/ PACU; Medical Director of Respiratory Care, and Medical Director of Ambulatory Care Center. He later concluded his Army career as a Major in the United States Army back in his home state of Kansas. He received the following honors and achievements in the U.S Army: Outstanding Intern of the Year at Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center, U.S. Army Achievement Medal, Outstanding Anesthesia Resident before entering into private practice in Granbury, Texas. While in Granbury, TX. Dr. Holbrooks was Chief of the Anesthesiology Department at Lake Granbury Medical Center and was Co-Owner of River Valley Anesthesia and Pain Management in Granbury prior to moving back to Lawrence, KS.
He was a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church. He enjoyed golfing and traveling with his family. One of his strongest attributes was his genuine care and welfare for others. He will be remembered for his dedication to not only all of his patients, but for all of his many colleagues, employees, and friends that he interacted with.
He is survived by his wife Sarah of 21 years, son Jake along with daughters Hannah and Ella all of Lawrence; brother Bob and spouse Denita Holbrooks, Piedmont, AL; brother Patrick & spouse Sondra Holbrooks, Piedmont, AL: sister Bonnie and spouse Jeff Gibson, Olathe, KS; sister Heather and spouse Steve Newell of Topeka, KS; sister Julie and spouse Ben Seidle, Fort Collins, CO; step father Don Silver of Carbondale, KS; In-Laws, Harold and Jackie Thomas of Coffeyville, KS; brother in law David and spouse Sandy Thomas of Lincoln, NE; sister in law Debbie and spouse Brian Baker of Derby, KS: sister in law Susan and spouse Matt Lomshek of Lawrence, KS; 10 Nieces and 6 Nephews. He is preceded in death by his father Owen Holbrooks, mother Judy Silver, and brother Billy Holbrooks.
The Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 a.m. On Tuesday, February 12th at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lawrence.
The family suggests a memorial contribution to the Dr. Howard Holbrooks Family Fund, c/o Fidelity Charitable. Please make the check payable to Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund and reference the Dr. Howard Holbrooks Family Fund, account number 1048157. You are welcome to drop or mail contributions to Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Warren-McElwain Mortuary or directly to Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund at P.O. Box 770001, Cincinnati, Ohio 45277-0053. The Fund has been set up for scholarships, donations, and contributions in Dr. Howard Holbrooks name benefiting: The ALS Society, Coffeyville Community College Endowment Association, Santa Fe Trail High School, Corpus Christi Catholic School within the communities that include Lawrence, Coffeyville, and Carbondale.
Online condolences may be sent to www.warrenmcelwain.com.
Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.

• E-mail this obituary