Brent J. “Gopher” Brockus, 64, a resident of Plymouth for the past 17 years, passed away suddenly of natural causes at 5:49 a.m. Wednesday, May 20, 2015, in the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center ER.

He was born the son of Bert J. and Rosemary E. (Shaffer) Brockus on Feb. 17, 1951, in Rochester. Brent was a member of the Plymouth High School Class of 1970.

His happiest days working were as the owner and operator of Gopher’s Body Shop. Later Brent would log thousands of miles in the transportation industry delivering shuttle buses all over the country.

Brent was known to enjoy NASCAR racing, hunting mushrooms, fishing, Coca-Cola, being a slot machine gambler and simply a grumbler.

He was the proud father of two children: Amy A. (Adnrew) Millar, Plymouth; and Bret L. Brockus, Naples, Fla.; two grandchildren: Kyle W. Brockus, Plymouth; Bryantle D. Brockus, Fort Irwin, Calif.; and two great-grandchildren: Kendall and Benjamin, Fort Irwin, Calif. His mother: Rosemary Brockus, LaPaz; also survives, along with a sister: Brenda K. (Ron) Meyers, Plymouth; and his girlfriend and companion of the last 17 years: Machelle R. Miller.

Brent was preceded in death by his father: Bert; and faithful cat: Cookie Sue.

A celebration of Brent’s life is planned from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. Sunday, May 24, in the Walkerton American Legion Post 189, Walkerton.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Marshall County Humane Society, Plymouth.