Ryan Scot Brookins

Ryan Scot Brookins, 44, of Jefferson City, passed away Saturday, October 15, 2016 at the University Hospital in Columbia, Mo., surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was born on August 2, 1972 in Columbus, Ga., the son of Ira Doyle Brookins Jr. and Shelia Schubert. On May 5, 2001, he was married to Susan Porting, who survives at the home. He was a 1992 graduate of Jefferson City High School. He joined the Active Duty Army out of high school and was stationed in Germany. He served one tour in Afghanistan during Desert Storm. Upon returning to the United States, he joined the Missouri Army National Guard. He served in the National Guard until his retirement on March 3, 2016. He was a member of the St. Andrews Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and active with the Jefferson City Marriage Encounter, where he made many lasting friendships that became like family to him. He enjoyed fishing, camping and loved having some good homemade Missouri Moonshine. Most of all he loved spending time with his family, especially his children. He found great joy hiking and wave boarding with his son, Brian. His daughter, Olivia, was in Girl Scouts for seven years where Ryan was known as Girl Scout Dad by all the girls. He was most proud of when he participated in the Dad's Dance as part of Olivia's dance group from Dancer's Alley. Ryan was known for his smile that would light up the room. In addition to his wife, Susan, he is survived by his two children: Brian Brookins of St. Martins and Olivia Brookins of the home; his mother: Shelia Schubert of California; one brother: Stephen Brookins of Columbia; two step-brothers: Mark Wiggins (Julie) and Chris Wiggins (April), both of Fitzgerald, Ga.; mother-in-law: Shirley Porting of St. Martins; four brothers-in-law: Allan John Porting (Ruth Redel) of Russellville, Steve (Karla) Porting of Brighton, Ill., Ken Porting (Julie) of Jefferson City and David Porting of Bourbon; lifelong friends: Michael and Diedre Owens of Eugene; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his father: Ira Doyle Brookins Jr; his father-in-law: Allan H. Porting; and sister-in-law: Linda Porting. Family will receive friends from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 18, 2016, at Houser-Millard Funeral Directors, with a Prayer Service at 4:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 19, 2016, at St. Andrews Catholic Church with Fr. Joe Corel officiating. Interment will follow with full military honors at the St. Andrews Catholic Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the SSG Ryan Brookins Benefit Fund for his children's education. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com