Ronald D. Brewer

Ronald Dale Brewer passed away November 5, 2026, at the age of 94 in Decatur, IL.
Ronald (Ron) was born August 7, 1932, in Peoria, IL, to Francis Thrall and Anna Bernice (Doering) Brewer. After graduating from Hinsdale High School in 1950, Ron attended the University of Illinois in Champaign/Urbana where he graduated with a degree in Restaurant Management in 1955. This was the first class to graduate from the Restaurant Management program at the U of I. It was at the U of I where he met Barbara (Barb) Rogers. Ron and Barb were married on August 22, 1954, and resided in Pana, IL, where they owned and operated Ron’s Restaurant until 1968 when the family moved to Decatur, IL. Ron and Barb owned and operated Brewer Distributing Co. until 1994 when they sold the business and retired.
Ron is preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, his parents, and his sister Sharolyn (Brewer) Marr.
He is survived by his daughter Nancy Lamkin (late Phillip), son Dennis (Vickey) Brewer, son Mike (Angel) Brewer; 9 grandchildren, Amanda (Jeff) Van Harlingen, Katie Lamkin, Timothy (Stacy) Lamkin, Douglas (Brittany) Brewer, Rebecca Brewer, Stephanie Brewer, Elayna (Eric) Williams, Olivia Brewer, Madison (Trevor) Thorstenson; 8 great-grandchildren, Ian (Maggie) Purkes, Lila Ward, Cara Ward, Callie Lamkin, Scott Lamkin, Alston Brewer, Caroline Brewer, Margaret Brewer.
Ron had many hobbies, including fishing, model trains, photography, flying his Piper Warrior airplane, and cheering for the Fighting Illini. He looked forward to his fishing trips to Canada with friends and family. For many years he was the family photographer, and his photos preserved countless memories for those he loved. He gave back by volunteering as a LifeLine Pilot flying children to medical appointments as well as introducing kids to flying through the EAA Young Eagles program. A lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, Ron was overjoyed when they won the 2016 World Series. He will be remembered as a kind and generous man who made friends easily. He had a remarkable memory for details and loved to share stories about his life experiences. He had a strong work ethic that he passed on to his children. No matter the circumstance, having a positive mental attitude and a lively sense of humor were traits that Ron never lost, and they made him a joy to be around. To his first cousins Glenn, Janell, and Holly, he was always Ronnie, and they shared a similar sense of humor and a special bond his entire life.
Arrangements are under the direction of Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Homes, Decatur, IL, A graveside service will be held at Linwood Cemetery in Pana, IL in the spring of 2027. Memorials may be made to Lifeline, Inc., 4507 N Sterling Ave, Suite 402, Peoria, IL 61615 or Loren Hodge EAA Chapter 274 Young Eagles, Hanger 102A Decatur Airport, Decatur, IL 62521 or Educational Center for the Visually Impaired, 3240 Hedley Road, Suite C, Springfield, IL, 62711.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family in care of Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Homes at www.brintlingerandearl.com.