Herbert F Brewer

Herbert F. Brewer, 96, of Black Rock passed away January 26, 2015 in the Lawrence Memorial Hospital. He was a Legend, truly ten feet tall and bullet proof. A man known and loved by many; those that had the privilege of knowing him also have a story to go with that memory. Born October 5, 1918 in Oregon Co. Missouri; son of the late James and Ludia May Alford Brewer. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Roberta Woodson Brewer; a grandson, Jeff Brewer; four brothers, Henry J. Trimble, Harry, Russell and Bill Brewer; and a sister, Sylvia Pickrell. In his life he had succeeded in many ventures. Herb's first job found him at three years old carrying water to cotton pickers and from there he never slowed down. He was a hard worker and tremendous provider for the six children he and his wife Bobbie reared and always had a loving heart and helping hand for any child in need of a meal or a roof. In his life he was known as “the Colonel”, a name associated with his years of being an auctioneer. He held many jobs and mastered many talents. Herb was a farmer/rancher, truck owner and driver, rescue fireman, member of the Hoxie School board, and Hoxie City Marshall. He was a horse trainer, professional bull rider, wagon master, and one of his most ingrained talents was that of a horse trader. He could and would trade you out of your boots and socks and make you happy you were walking off with bare feet. Herbert had the opportunity to dine with governors and congressmen whom sought and valued his opinion on controversial political matters. He was a political activist long before taking a stand for what you truly believed in was popular. He at times took an unpopular stand, but always stood for what he believed in. Herb was visited on occasion by the FBI and made national news and history in more than one decade in his life. In 1976 he had the life changing experience of being the Arkansas Wagon Master/Teamster and driving the Arkansas Wagon in the Bicentennial Wagon Train to Pennsylvania. (1700+ miles) This honor was one of the highlights of his life. The Colonel was a hero in the eyes of many. If he saw a need in anyone, he was the first one there and the last to leave, even at times risking his life to help someone. He had a magical way with children. There was never a child he didn’t love or one that didn’t gravitate to his huge personality. He is survived by his six children, Rena (L.J.) Hogue of Walnut Ridge, Sonny (Lee) Brewer of Dowagiac, MI, Rick (Jeannie) Brewer of Black Rock, Rob (Marilyn) Brewer of Jonesboro, Johnny (Lesa) Brewer of Portia and Kellie (Jim) Simpson of Smithville; eleven grandchildren; twenty-four great grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and many other relatives and friends. A celebration of life will take place January 31, 2015 at 11 AM in the Bryan Funeral Home with family and friends officiating. Pallbearers will be grandsons, and honorary pallbearers will be the granddaughters. As a final tribute to this icon of a man, the last leg of the journey to his final resting place will be made in his beloved Arkansas Wagon. Herb’s service will not be a traditional funeral service but a celebration of life. Therefore we ask if those attending want to throw on their boots and jeans, this will be one time it is very appropriate. Ride high dear Colonel. In lieu of flowers the family requests donation's to be made to either the Children’s Home Inc. in Paragould, or Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie in Stuttgart.

Herbert F Brewer

October 5, 1918 - January 26, 2015