Bud Brinkmeyer Jr.

Harry G. "Bud" Brinkmeyer Jr., 89, of Centralia passed away June 21, 2025, at Twin Willows Nursing Center in Salem, IL. He was born on February 29, 1936, the son of Harry and Rena (Clawson) Brinkmeyer in St. Louis, MO. He married Shirley Heinrich on October 19, 1990, and she survives him.
Along with his wife, Shirley Brinkmeyer, survivors that will hold dear memories of Bud include his beloved family, children, Cory Brinkmeyer of Osage Beach, MO, Annette (Royce) Kendall of Mt. Vernon, IL, Michelle (Tom) Dalton of Heyworth, IL, and Valerie Brinkmeyer (Tony Grubb) of Centralia, IL; step-children, Alan (Pat) Sanner of Centralia, IL, Debbie (Mike) Jansen of Germantown, IL, Rene Dooley of Springfield, MO; 12 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; sister, Phyllis Swartzlander of Bryan, TX; step-daughter-in-law, Tammy Sanner of Palm Coast, FL; extended family members and friends.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Denny Brinkmeyer; step-son, Rod Sanner; brother-in-law, Don Swartzlander.
Mr. Brinkmeyer served his country with honor in the United States Air Force from 1954-1960, in Hawaii during the Korean War Era as a Staff Sergeant. He was a loyal employee for Warren G. Murray Center for 20 years until his retirement. Bud was a strong patriot, proud to be an American and a member of the Centralia American Legion Veterans Post 446. He was of the Christian faith and a member of Calumet Street Christian Church in Centralia. Bud was a car enthusiast, loved watching Nascar, and was a stock car driver in his early years and then later a sprint driver. As a member of the Highland Air Gun Club, he was a talented marksman, who along with his daughter, competed in the Prairie State Games. Bud's wife Shirley was his biggest fan cheering him on from the stands, celebrating each medal he won. He was an avid fisherman who loved the thrill of catching a big one. He was an extremely supportive grandpa, always interested in his grandkids endeavors, wanting to know how well they were doing and keeping them supplied with all the latest equipment to ensure success in their sporting event. Bud was well respected, knew how to get a job done efficiently and well, provided for and protected his family, and shared generously with those in need.
A celebration of life service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia with Pastor Anthony Sweeney officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia, where military rites will be accorded by Centralia VFW Post 2055 and the American Legion Post 446. Relatives and friends are welcome to the visitation from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service on Friday at the funeral home in Centralia. Memorials may be made in Bud's honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Online condolences and memories of Bud may be shared with his family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home's Facebook page.
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