Donald J. Brewer

Donald J. Brewer, a proud veteran, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and ornery brother, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2025 at the age of 73. He was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas but grew up in Sheridan, Arkansas where the roots of the Brewer family are memorialized. The Brewer family later moved to Pontiac, IL where he met his future wife Bonnie Sue Thompson. The two attended Olivet Nazarene University and married on December 20,1975. Donald began his military career by honorably serving in the United States Army in 1969 with training as a medic. His dedication earned him the National Defense Service Medal for his honorable service in Korea during the Vietnam Conflict, a reflection of his unwavering commitment to his country. He continued his service in the Illinois National Guard where he was the commanding officer for the local National Guard unit in Kankakee. Following his military service, Donald’s entrepreneurial spirit helped build careers as a respiratory therapist, owner of an insurance agency, Army recruiter, and finally in public service as a Customer Care Service Manager at the Kankakee River Valley Metro Transit District where he retired in January of 2017, leaving behind a legacy of service and professionalism. In his spare time he enjoyed bowling and softball. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, generous heart, and deep love for his family and community. Donald found joy in pranks and bad jokes, sharing time with loved ones, offering a helping hand, and living each day with humility and laughter. He is survived by his wife Bonnie S. Brewer of nearly 50 years, and their children Barbara (Barbi) Brewer-Watson and Micheal of Kankakee, Jay Brewer and Jennifer of Bradley, Joseph Brewer and Jessica of Cuba, IL, and grandchildren Cole Widner, Allison Elizabeth Brewer, and Ryder Gladfelter and his siblings Raymond Brewer, Billie Sue Gawron, Russell Brewer, and Patricia Pollack all of whom carry forward his memory with deep pride and affection. He was preceded in death by parents Albert Jay and Susan G. Brewer and Brothers Joseph and Jerry Brewer. A visitation will be held at Clancy Gernon Funeral Homes located at 1480 W Court St. Kankakee, IL 60901 on Saturday, July 5, 2025 from 2pm to 5pm. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 6 at 3pm at Kankakee First Church of the Nazarene (1000 N. Entrance Ave., Kankakee, IL 60901). Interment to follow on Monday, July 7 at 2:30pm at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery (20953 W Hoff Rd., Elwood, IL 60421) with military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Donald’s name to Project Head Space and Timing via mail to P.O. Box 382 Manteno, IL 60950.

Donald J. Brewer

June 21, 1952 - June 30, 2025