Longtime Lake Wales, Fla., pumping contractor H.P. Brooker, owner of Brooker Septic Service Inc., died Dec. 4, 2009. He was 85.

Brooker started his business as a part-time venture in 1957. In 1986, he expanded to full-time, working until 2002, when his daughter Cindy Moro took over the business. In addition to residential pumping, Brooker installed septic systems and hauled sludge. He attended the Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo every year and was a member of the Florida Onsite Wastewater Association, according to Moro.

Brooker is survived by his wife, Mary Paige Brooker, four daughters and 13 grandchildren.