Celebration Service · Friday, September 18 · 10:00 AM
Sarasota National Cemetery · 9810 State Road 72 (Clark Road), Sarasota, FL 34241
Please arrive by 9:30 AM · Outdoor service with military honors
Want to drive yourself? The address above will get you there. Otherwise, while you're here with us we're happy to provide transportation — ride along with us, or bring your own car. Whatever's easiest for you.
Tap the button to RSVP and share your travel plans — it opens our short form and takes about 2 minutes.
The Real Gift We're Asking For: Your Memories 📷
More than anything, we'd love your memories of Brooks. Please share your favorite photos, a short story, or a few words you'd like to say. On Friday afternoon, while we're all together at the house after the service, we'll play them for everyone. 🚂
Memories of Brooks — add yours below 🚂
How to add your photos & stories
- Tap Add Your Photos & Stories above — no account or sign-in needed.
- On your phone: tap Add files, then pick photos or videos from your camera roll.
- On a computer: drag your photos onto the page, or click Add files.
- Add your name if it asks, then tap Upload. To share a story, add it as a note or a photo of your handwriting.
Having trouble? Just text your photos and stories to Bill (812-212-9079) or Debbie (319-230-7191) and we'll add them for you.
Remembering Brooks 🚂
Lynn Brooks Crum — Brooks to all of us — was born in Chicago on January 26, 1941 and passed away on May 13, 2026, at the age of 85. A proud U.S. Army veteran, he built his career in printing and graphic arts, but his heart belonged to his family and his great passion: Lionel trains. He helped found his local railroad club, served as its O-Scale Chairman and a longtime board member, and was a well-known face at train expos. He loved poker, pickleball, the outdoors, and above all any game he could play with the people he loved. This weekend, we celebrate exactly that life.
The Weekend
Thursday 9/17
- PM Arrivals & airport pickups
- 6:30 Welcome dinner at the house
Friday 9/18
- 8:00 Light breakfast at the house
- 9:00 Head to the service — arrive by 9:30
- 10:00 Celebration service · Sarasota National Cemetery
- 11:30 Celebration-of-life luncheon
- PM Pool time, swimming & relaxing with family at the house 🏊
- 6:30 Family dinner at the house
Saturday 9/19
- 8:30 Breakfast at the house
- 10:00 Beach day at the Ritz-Carlton Beach Club, Lido Key 🏖️
- 6:30 Dinner TBD (Beach Club or home)
Sunday 9/20
- 9:00 Farewell breakfast
- AM Departures & airport drop-offs
Getting Here
Three airports work well. Sarasota is closest and easiest; Tampa usually has the most nonstops; Fort Myers is a solid backup from the south. Fares can vary, so it's worth checking all three.
SRQ · Sarasota
~15 min · ~12 miles
Closest & easiest. Major carriers: Delta, American, United, Southwest, JetBlue, Breeze, Allegiant, Frontier, Avelo, Sun Country.
TPA · Tampa
~1 hr · ~50 miles
Most nonstops. Major carriers: Southwest, Delta, American, United, JetBlue, Spirit, Frontier, Alaska.
RSW · Fort Myers
~1 hr 20 · ~75 miles
Good backup. Major carriers: Southwest, Delta, American, United, JetBlue, Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant.
Where We Are
Our home
1126 Blue Shell Loop, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240
Good to Know
Dress: comfy & casual
It's hot and humid in September and the service is outdoors — dress comfortably. No dress code the rest of the weekend. Bring swimsuits for the pool and beach attire for Saturday.
Where to stay
We have room at our home plus a nearby 3-bedroom condo — tell us on the RSVP if you'd like us to arrange a spot. If you'd prefer your own space (or if we run out of room), there are several hotels about 10–15 minutes away near the
UTC Mall (University Town Center), including the
Courtyard by Marriott,
Fairfield Inn & Suites,
EVEN Hotel, Homewood Suites, and Hyatt Place.
See hotels near UTC »Rides & rental cars
Share your flights on the RSVP and we'll coordinate airport pickups. Let us know if you plan to rent a car.
