Donald J. Brewer
Donald J. Brewer Obituary
Kankakee, Illinois - 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 of nearly 50 years, Bonnie S. Brewer; and their children, Barbara (Barbi) Brewer-Watson and Micheal of Kankakee, Jay Brewer and Jennifer of Bradley, and Joseph Brewer and Jessica of Cuba, IL; 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 his parents, Albert Jay and Susan G. Brewer; and brothers, Joseph and Jerry Brewer.
A visitation will be held at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home, located at 1480 W Court St. Kankakee, IL 60901 on Saturday, July 5, 2025 from 2 to 5 p.m. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 6 at 3 p.m. at Kankakee First Church of the Nazarene, 1000 N. Entrance Ave., Kankakee, IL 60901. Interment with military honors to follow on Monday, July 7 at 2:30 p.m. at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W Hoff Rd., Elwood, IL 60421.
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.
Please sign his guestbook at www.clancygernon.com.
Kankakee, Illinois - 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, whe
Published on July 1, 2025
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