Michael Brewer

Michael Earl Brewer, 84, of Jefferson City passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his children on Saturday, September 10, 2022 following a long illness. 

Mike was born in August 1938, in Brookfield, Missouri, the first of three sons born to Warren Earl and Roselle (Wilson) Brewer as the fourth generation on the family farm.  After high school, he attended Central Methodist College in Fayette, where he met the first love of his life, Julia.  They were married in 1959 and raised three children.  Mike and Julia were both teachers.  Mike transitioned to school administration, serving as a guidance counselor and Special Education Director in Washington, MO. 

In 1978, Mike took a position with the Division of Special Education for the State of Missouri, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The family moved to a small farm outside of Russellville in the summer of 1979. Mike would often say that he spent his first 20 years trying to get away from the family farm and the next 20 years trying to find his own.   He retired from the State of Missouri in 1995, after more than 30 years in Education, to be a full-time caregiver for Julia until her death in January of 1996. 

On January 1, 1997, Mike married Marigene Smith.  Shortly after, he became a caregiver again as Marigene fought her own battle with cancer, which she won.  Mike and Marigene spent several years traveling across the country, enjoying the scenery and discovering local restaurants and culture.  They particularly enjoyed visiting their grandkids in Colorado and enjoyed taking their Missouri grandkids to shows at the Lyceum Theater in Arrow Rock.  Mike was an avid outdoorsman and conservationist, and loved bluegrass, old country, and classical music.

Mike is survived by three children, Paula (Ray) Mraz of High Ridge, MO, Ross (Pok Suk) Brewer of Colorado Springs, CO, Kurt (Justina) Brewer of Russellville, MO, six grandchildren,  Ramo (Jennifer Homa) Mraz of St. Louis, Robyn (Clinton Ross) Mraz of St. Louis,  Joshua Brewer of Japan, Kara Brewer of Colorado Springs, Justin Brewer of Jefferson City, Grace Brewer of Wheeling, IL, three great grandchildren, Jordan, Madison and Payton, brother, Jay Brewer of Grimes, IA, three sisters-in-law, Louise (Bob) Meakins of Kellogg, IA, Crystal Brewer of Sturgeon, MO, Jody Colby of Aurora, MO and several nieces and nephews.  Mike was preceded in death by his first wife, Julia Bayley Brewer in 1996, his second wife, Marigene Smith Brewer in 2018, his youngest brother, Warren Mark Brewer in 2015 and sister-in-law, Gloria Brewer in 2022. 

Visitation will be Saturday, September 24, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Trimble Funeral Homes, 3210 North Ten Mile Dr., Jefferson City.  A celebration of Mike’s life will begin at 4:00 p.m. 

Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, (Alz.org) 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, Il 60601.