Donald Brewer, 77, of Niles, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and cherished friend went home to meet the Lord Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010 at his home in Niles.

Don was born May 2, 1932 in Decatur to Robert and Helen Brewer. On June 28, 1950 in Dowagiac, he married Doris Sandberg. They have lived in the area since 1951. Don was a member of Portage Road General Baptist Church in Niles. Prior to Portage Road General Baptist, he was a member for 25 years at Bethel Baptist Church in Niles. He worked as a salesman for 32 years, working for G & M Appliances in Niles, Great Northern Distributors in South Bend and McGranahan Distributors in Toledo, Ohio.

He was involved with Habitat for Humanity and the Old Rugged Cross Foundation, drove for Dial-A-Ride, volunteered his time with the Salvation Army and Haunted House and also worked with the veterans. He and Doris also sponsored eight foreign exchange students from Brazil, Poland, Russia and France. Don loved to travel all over the world with his wife Doris.

Don was a people person, a hand-shaker with anyone he came in contact with. He was a very kind and generous man. He will be very much missed by his family and friends.
Surviving family include his wife of 59 years, Doris; one son, Donald Allen Brewer; two daughters, Cheryl Brewer (Johnny) Solomon and Peggy Sue (Dan) Hamilton; eight grandchildren, Pedro John Rodriguez, Donald Allen (Joanne) Rodriguez, Melissa Sue (Mike) Hamilton, Justin Allen Brewer, Travis Allen (Shana) Brewer, Eric David Hamilton, Emily Ann Hamilton and Alexandria Chenez Brewer; eight great-grandchildren, Byron Allen Rodriguez, Ryan Rodriguez, Olivia Nicole Rodriguez, Alex Rodriguez, Destiny Bennett, Madeline Sue Young, Montgomery Shawn Young and Jaiden LeeAnn Hamilton; two brothers, Harvey Brewer and Edward Brewer; and one sister, Lydia Sherburn; many nieces, nephews, brother and sisters-in-law; and a large extended family and many close friends.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Helen Brewer of Decatur; four brothers, Kenneth, Elmer, Robert and Rolland Brewer; and grandson, Raymond Robert Brewer of Niles.

Funeral services for Don will be held at noon, Monday, Jan. 18, 2010 at Portage Road General Baptist Church, 1765 Portage Rd., Niles with Pastor Allan Poage officiating.

Visitation will be two hours prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens in Niles.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 305, Niles, MI 49120; The Old Rugged Cross Foundation, P.O. Box 41, Niles, MI 49120; Hospice at Home, Inc., 4017 Chamberlain Rd., Buchanan, MI 49107; or Forgotten Man Ministries, 3940 Fruit Ridge N.W., Grand Rapids, MI 49544.

Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan, is handling arrangements for the family.