Gilbert Eugene "Gene" Brewer

Gilbert Eugene "Gene" Brewer, 85, Richards, Mo., passed away on Monday, Dec. 1, 2008, at Barone Alzheimer's Care Center in Nevada. He was born on Sept. 22, 1923, in Nevada, to James William Brewer and Linnie Jane Simmons Brewer. He married Alice Hays in 1949 in Bentonville, Ark., and she survives in Independence, Mo. In August 1972, he married Everta Jean Armstrong Patterson and she preceded him in death in November 1979.

Gene was the second youngest of 11 children and was reared in and around Richards, Mo., and attended school there. He worked for Kansas City Southern Railroad for 20 years until his retirement. He lived for many years in Kansas City, Mo. He also spent many years doing maintenance work at Sherald Crystals and Tyco in Olathe, Kan. Following his wife Jean's death, he and their daughter Kari returned to Richards, in 1981. Gene enjoyed working with his hands and many people considered him a "jack-of-all-trades." You could usually find him tinkering in his shop. He enjoyed raising animals and gardening. He was a past member of the VFW and Nevada Eagles Lodges and also past Mayor of Richards. Gene's greatest hobby was spoiling his grandchildren.

Survivors include two daughters, Kari Brewer Vincent and her fiance Earl Higgins, Nevada, Genelle Rhoades, Marthasville; two sons, James Brewer, Kansas City, Mo., and Michael Brewer, Independence, Mo.; three grandchildren, Alexandra Jean Vincent, Nathaniel Eugene Vincent and Lukas Charles Brewer Higgins; two step-daughters, Penni Wilson and Shelli McMillin, both of Kansas City, Mo.; seven step-grandchildren; 13 step-great-grandchildren; one sister, Ruby Sammons, Colorado Springs, Colo., and several nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to his beloved wife Jean, he was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, Harry, Herbert, Roy, Henry, Oscar and John Brewer, and three sisters, Helen McConnaughey, Elsie Martin, and Mary Shade.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., on Friday, Dec. 5, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, with the Rev. Bryan Keith officiating. Interment will follow in Deerfield Cemetery, Deerfield, Mo. Friends may call now and until the hour of service and the family receives friends from 10-11 a.m. Friday prior to the service at the funeral home.

Those who wish may contribute to the Alzheimer's Association or the American Cancer Society in care of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.