Henry Ervin Brewer Jr.

Henry Ervin Brewer, 86, of Hayden, Idaho, completed his journey and entered Heaven on June 30, 2015. Henry Brewer was born in Millport, Ala., on Sept. 16, 1928, to Henry and Odell Brewer. The family moved to Marked Tree, Ark., in 1934 where Henry attended school, excelled in sports and helped on the family farm. Henry was drafted by the minor league baseball team, Memphis Chicks, but a broken arm cut his career short. He then joined the Air Force in 1946 and served as a B-52 Crew Chief until he retired. Henry met Betty Jo Thomas when he was stationed at Cheyenne AFB. Her dad made him wait two years to ask her out. They were married in Cheyenne on Sept. 11, 1955. They moved frequently and had five children while in the Air Force. After retiring from the Air Force, Henry worked as a truck driver. Henry and Betty moved the family to Wichita Falls, Texas, in 1971 where they made their home for 35 years and raised their children. They were faithful members of First Baptist Church. Henry and Betty moved to Hayden, Idaho, in 2007 to be near their daughters. Henry Brewer was one of 13 children and was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Odell; siblings Brooks Brewer, Sarah Murphy, Billy Brewer, Eudora Brewer, Charles McCain, Marlene Marshall, and Martha Brewer; and by his grandson, Bryce Fudge. He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Betty Joe; his five children: James Brewer (Michelle) of Wichita Falls, Texas, Phillip Brewer (Kathleen) of Portland, Ore., Mark Brewer (Judy) of Wichita Falls, Texas, Becky Funk (Terry) of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and Ellyn Barndollar (Sean) of Hayden, Idaho; brother Jack Brewer (Mary) of Lepanto, Ark., sisters Joann Thompson (Billy) of Marked Tree, Ark., and Liz Ball (Don) of Bruce, Miss.; grandchildren Jonathan Brewer, Cassie Keener, Kourtney Fudge, Kayla Fudge, Connor Brewer, Reagan Brewer, Dalton Mayberry, Ethan Funk, Lily Funk, and Colton Mayberry; seven great-grandchildren, and "adopted" children Denny and Pam Horner of Hayden, Idaho. Henry will always be remembered as a man who loved his family, his God, and enjoyed working hard. He was an avid gardener and always ready to take on a home improvement project for his family and friends. Henry loved to play cards with his family, especially spades and cribbage. Beating Dad at cards was a challenge, although a rare occurrence, for his children. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, at Candlelight Fellowship. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of North Idaho or a charity of your choice.