Stephen Austin Brewers

1951 - 2014

Stephen Austin Brewers, 63, of Jacksonville, died peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, at his home, surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Steve was born Sept. 11, 1951, in Moline, the son of Emil and Ina Brewers. He married Joyce Cerentano on July 7, 1995, in Springfield.

He graduated from the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired in 1970. While there, he excelled in track, wrestling, and swimming. In 1969, as a high school junior, Steve set the National high jump record for visually impaired athletes.

Steve worked as a supervisor at Colorcraft Corporation (formally known as Qualex) from 1975 until 1991. He was then employed for 20 years at the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired as a residential care worker, retiring in December of 2012.

An avid Chicago Cubs fan, Steve enjoyed music, movies, and spending time with his family.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Joyce; his children, Stephen (wife, Kathy) Brewers of Ashland, Karri Cline of Loami, J.Q. (wife, Kelly) Halteman of Gillespie, Joy (husband, Richie) Throgmorton of Minooka, and Jereme Halteman of Jacksonville; his grandchildren, Alexis, Dylan, Julien, Brenna, Evan, Quin, and Kinley; his brother, Michael (wife, Mary) Brewers of Moline; his sister, Kathleen (husband, Don) Crandall of Lake In The Hills; and his mother-in-law, Shirley (husband, Argyl) Coburn of Springfield. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Greg Brewers.

The family would like to thank the following doctors and their staff for their excellent care during Steve's illness: Dr. Krishna Rao, Dr. Saleem Mahmood, and Dr. Anwar Ahmad.

Steve requested that no formal services be held, however, family and friends are invited to share memories of Steve 5-7 p.m. Monday at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville. Memorial gifts are suggested to the Simmons Cancer Institute, 315 West Carpenter St., Springfield, IL 62702. Condolences may be sent to the family online at buchanancody.com.