Thomas E. Brauer

Thomas E. Brauer, age 79, of Battle Creek, passed away on Saturday, August 23, 2014 at Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence. Tom was born November 5, 1934 in Battle Creek, MI, the son of the late John Brauer and Madelon (Robinson) Brauer. Tom was a 1952 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School, and went on to serve in the U.S. Army. He traveled extensively and lived on both the east and west coasts before resettling in Battle Creek in 1967. Tom was employed as a copywriter and copy editor for an advertising company in Kalamazoo. In 1972, he became a freelance copywriter and editor for both Archway Cookies, Inc. and Scene Magazine until his retirement in 1995. In 1992, Tom married the late Fione (Picard) Chase. Tom spent much of his time devoted to volunteerism, and he served his community in various capacities with the United Arts Council, the Historical Society of Battle Creek (president, 1989-1992), the Leila Arboretum Society, the Association of Retarded Citizens (now The Arc), and the Battle Creek Civic Theatre. His hobbies and interests included classic and contemporary literature, history, classical music, playing bridge, tennis and golf, attending various classes at Kellogg Community College, and most importantly spending time with family, friends, and the many dogs he had throughout his life. Tom is survived by his stepsons Julian, Jordan, and David Chase, grandchildren Makayla, Roman, and Bella Chase, close friends Alisha Thomas, Stacey Elliott, Don Gustafson, Ian D. Gill, Joan Stringer, Patricia Benwire, and many other family and friends. In addition to his parents and wife, Tom was preceded in death by a brother, Robert, and nephews, John and Larry. Friends will be received 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, where funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, August 28, 2014. Military honors by the U.S. Army Honor Guard, committal and interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Leila Arboretum Society, 928 W. Michigan Avenue, B.C. MI 49017. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.