Delta State University to fly flags at half-staff in memory of Professor Emeritus Bucky Brooks

Cleveland, MS (05/15/2026) —

Contact: Nathan Duff FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Phone: (662) 846-4678

Email: nduff@deltastate.edu

Delta State University to fly flags at half-staff in memory of Professor Emeritus Bucky Brooks

CLEVELAND, Miss. - Delta State University will fly the university flag at half-staff on Saturday, May 16 in memory of Burrow P. "Bucky" Brooks Jr., Professor Emeritus of Mathematics, who passed away May 2, 2026, at the age of 82.

Brooks served on the Delta State faculty from 1970 until his retirement in 2001, dedicating more than three decades to teaching mathematics and serving the university community. During his tenure, he served two terms as Chair of the Faculty Senate and was named Delta State Outstanding Faculty Member in 1994. He also served as Chair of the Friends of the Delta State University Library.

A native of Starkville, Mississippi, Brooks earned his bachelor's degree from Mississippi State University, his master's degree from Western Reserve University and his doctorate in mathematics from the University of Florida.

Beyond his work in the classroom, Brooks was known throughout the Cleveland community for his volunteer service and lifelong love of books, mathematics and the natural world. He served on the Friends of the Bolivar County Library System Board, including two terms as president, and was a member and past chair of Friends of Dahomey. For more than 20 years, he was also active with Friends of Acadia, a conservation organization supporting Acadia National Park.

Brooks is survived by his wife, Maureen Brooks, his sister, Mildred Vittoria, and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Saturday, May 16, at Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church in Cleveland beginning at 10 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Kent Bowlds.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Maureen and Burrow Brooks Endowment Scholarship for Seniors, Delta State University Foundation, DSU Box 3141, 1003 W. Sunflower Rd., Cleveland, MS 38733; Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church, 215 Bishop Road, Cleveland, MS 38732; or a charity of the donor's choice.

About Delta State University: Delta State University is a four-year public institution whose nearly 2,800 students come from most U.S. states and more than 45 countries. Acknowledging its beginning as a teacher's college, the University sustains excellence in teacher education while continuing to expand offerings in traditional as well as unique fields of study. Programs such as those available through the Delta Music Institute, the Commercial Aviation Department, and the Center for Interdisciplinary Geospatial Information highlight the University's commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the students it serves with world-leading, industry-acclaimed programs. Situated in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, Delta State offers top-notch academic programs in business, arts, sciences, nursing, education, and more. DSU Athletics has won 15 national championships, 70 conference championships, and 37 regional titles.

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