Gerald Dean ("Bud") Brewer

Gerald Dean Brewer, affectionately known as Bud, was 88 years old when he passed away Sunday, April 26th at Melissa Memorial Hospital in Holyoke.

Bud was born October 25th, 1931 in Hiawatha NE to John and Opal (Lines) Brewer.

His mother passed away when he was 2, and his father died when he was 12.He and his two sisters were taken in by their aunt Ruth Jaeger and her mother Cleora Morrison.  They were raised in Imperial, where he attended school and worked at the family business.

He joined the Navy and ended up on the USS Mansfield during the Korean War. After he completed his military service, he returned home and attended State Barber College in Pueblo, where he graduated in 1956. He then moved to Holyoke and worked as a barber, opening his own shop in 1959. Along the way, he met Marjorie Evans, who was working at the county extension office. She was his one true love and they married on June 3, 1961 in the Haxtun Methodist Church. They completed their family when they adopted DeeAnn in 1967 and Sherri in 1969.

He operated Bud's Barber Shop until 1970, when he began working at Smythe's Department Store as an assistant manager. He purchased the store in 1972 and ran it until he sold it to Schmidt's in 1991. They worked out a deal where he could once again operate a barber shop from inside the building. Bud was never one to sit still, and continued to cut hair until he was 85.

Bud lived a lifetime of quiet service. He was active in the Holyoke United Methodist Church as a lay leader, in the choir, at the fair stand, wherever he was needed. He was a longtime member of the Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star, where he served many times as Worthy Patron. Bud was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Dragon Booster Club. He enjoyed woodworking, building & refinishing furniture, and took great pride in his lawn and garden. Even this last year, Bud could be found outside working in the yard or at the high school attending whatever sporting event was on the calendar.

Bud's family was first and foremost. He was present for and involved in the activities of his 2 daughters as they were growing up, and cherished every moment spent with his 5 grandchildren. His wife, Marj, was the center of his universe. He was her partner, her companion, and her caregiver until her last day.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Billie Hayes and Maxine Hiatt, and his wife Marjorie, to whom he was faithfully devoted for 56 years.

He is survived by his daughter DeeAnn Brewer and husband Steven Peist of Anthem, AZ; daughter Sherri Brewer and husband Kerry Blomme of Minden, NE; grandchildren Dalton & Cole Blomme, and Emerald, Magnolia & Dashiell Peist; beloved extended family members, treasured neighbors, and irreplaceable friends. 

Bud always had a kind word or a helping hand. He had a way with children and cut generations of hair. You could count on him for a "kiddo", a "good gravy", or "well I'll be switched". When we think of great men, the humble ones don't always come to mind, but they should. Bud was a great man, and he will be missed.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gerald Dean ("Bud") Brewer, please visit our floral store.