Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Olan Brewer Obituary
Brewer died Saturday after a short illness. He was 77.
Brewer founded a political consulting firm in 1980 and became one of the Capitol's gatekeepers for would-be officeholders. Sometimes candidates came to Brewer, but more often lobbyists for major Texas trade associations — whose contributions help fund political campaigns — asked candidates to sit down with Brewer so he could size them up on their behalf.
Brewer assessed each candidate's background, campaign plans and chances of victory. His candidate meetings, which were closed to the media and candidates' own consultants, enabled association representatives to explore detailed, sometimes intensely personal topics.
"He was a communicator, a consensus builder," recalled state Sen. John Whitmire, a Houston Democrat who knew Brewer for three decades. "He kind of personalized the process."
Bill Messer, a lobbyist and former Texas House member, said, "He would ask the hard questions. Sometimes he would give (candidates) a hard answer like, 'This race is more expensive than you are prepared to spend.' He was sort of like a Dutch uncle to a lot of members of the Legislature."
Brewer grew up in Northeast Texas before hitchhiking to UT at age 16 to attend college. He later worked as a reporter for newspapers, including The Houston Chronicle. By 1960, he had left journalism and come to Austin to work for a lobbying powerhouse, the Texas Chemical Council. He was often by the side of the council's influential leader, Harry Whitworth, and got to know the era's major political figures.
After he went out on his own, Brewer helped organize 7 a.m. Tuesday question-and-answer breakfasts during legislative sessions that brought officeholders and lobbyists together.
Brewer was a conservative but never called himself a Republican or Democrat, said Eric Sandberg of the Texas Bankers Association, among groups that trusted Brewer for advice.
And every fall for 61 football seasons, Brewer went to the big game in Dallas.
"I'm so crazy," Brewer told a reporter in 2005, "I can name you the (UT) backfield in 1939.
"To know these coaches and to know these players ... I've had a charmed life."
He is survived by his wife, Anna, and two grown children.
28 Entries
Amanda-Maire Harden
March 21, 2008
Ol'Daddy.. There are not enough words to express our pain.. It has almost been five months but it seems like it was yesterday that I was in your arms. You were truly an example to us all. I know Heather & Jack feel the same when I say that you were not just a Grandfather to us, but a friend, a role model, and a father. I remember all those times I was by your side and I cherish all those memories that I have with you. I am so glad we were so close. You were the backbone of the family and we are not the same without your smile or your words of wisdom. I am so blessed by God to call you my Grandfather.
I hope when you look down on me, from God's side, that you will be proud of me and our family!
I love you Ol'Daddy you will always be in my heart and soul and I promise to keep you close there....
Cynthia Sinatra
November 4, 2007
I really don't know what year I met Olan Brewer. He and his family have been a part of my memories (fun and funnier) since I was a child. Olan and my father, Clinton White, were outstanding, creative and fun-loving leaders of the Texas Public Relations Association and many other organizations together. As a student at UT and an employee at the State Capitol, I had multiple opportunities to associate with my friend and my father's "running buddy." I remember our fun nights during the sessions when we all became part of the comaraderie and history of the days of the Broken Spoke.
My mother, Wanda, and all of my family join me in expressing our deepest sympathy to my friends, the Brewer family.
Cynthia White Sinatra
Wharton, TX
Bill Noble
November 3, 2007
I only knew Olan through brief interactions on the Vaughn Building elevator. But in those brief moments you knew immediately he was a smart, kind and giving man. May he be rewarded well by our God.
Shirley & Olen Rucker
November 1, 2007
We will miss you, our long time friend. The camping trips with our children, traveling with you and Anna all over the world, the horse races in La., your sense of humor, your laughter, solving the world's problems and watching our children grow up, marry and have children of their own. God bless you Anna, Travis and Pam and your beautiful grand children.
How you can show support
Ken Tooley
November 1, 2007
The end of an era....the sadness hurts, but the recollections of a man who generously shared so much with everyone provides happy and vivid memories of this cherished friend. He has been my counselor and mentor since our friendship formed at UT as Daily Texan staffers in 1950-51. Olan gave me an opportunity that jump-started my career as an association executive and lobbyist. I shall be forever grateful and will miss his wisdom, humor and genuine character. Doris and I send our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to Anna, Pam, Travis and families. May your grief pass swiftly and your memories last forever.
Roger Scarborough
October 31, 2007
I met Olan in the 1950's when I joined the 36th Quartermaster Company National Guard. During summer camp in Fort Hood, I would ride with him to our duty station, arriving early and we would listen to Erice Servereid on the radio. At that time I didn't know what a "mentor" was, and he surely was not trying to be one. I kept up with him over the years, not realizing that he was the valedictorian at Mount Vernon, majored in journalism, but the parallel was that I would marry the valedictorian down the road in Winnsboro who also majored in the same.
Later in life we would meet at National Guard reunions, and one day I went to his office for some advice, and there was his secretary who was the daughter of Charley Nemir who was in my high school class. It doesn't take much to tie facets together here in Texas.
He ranks up there with our old friend Judge Tom Blackwell, and it was an honor to have known him.
Roger Scarborough
ORB, with g-son Kemper "Ray Ray"
October 31, 2007
ORB, with g-kids Amanda and Jack
October 31, 2007
ORB, with g-daughter Holly at UT game
October 31, 2007
ORB, with daughter Pam
October 31, 2007
ORB, wife Anna, g-son Jack, d-in-l Elorra
October 31, 2007
Deborah Ingersoll
October 31, 2007
Olan Brewer was one of the finest people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. He was my friend. We will all miss him.
Kent Grusendorf
October 31, 2007
Wisdom. Insight. Intergity. Olan was a key leader on the Texas political scene for years. Texas would be a much better place if we were all more like Olan Brewer! God bless.
Solomon Ortiz Jr.
October 30, 2007
I first met Olan Brewer as a candidate for the State House last year. He was a true gentleman and friend. I will miss his advice and down to earth personality. I wish I would have been able to get to know him better like some of the others who’ve commented on this page. I’m deeply saddened by his passing and will keep his family in my prayers.
George Wims
October 30, 2007
Olan Ray will be sorely missed by all his High School friends.
Hugo Berlanga
October 30, 2007
In 1977 as a freshman Legislator, I met Olan Brewer during Freshman Orientation. He was surprised to know that I had just recently read about him in a book on governor, John Connolly. From that day forward I truly enjoyed getting to know Olan for the next 30 years. His advice was always sound, his laughter unforgettable. I enjoyed his companionship on speakers night at the Broken Spoke. Olan introduced me to the corporate world and I introduced him to Hispanic politics. We were both enriched by the lessons learned. I will miss him dearly. Laura joins me in expressing our deepest sympathy to the Brewer Family.
Hugo & Laura Berlanga
Corpus Christi, Texas
Heather (Brewer) Jackman
October 30, 2007
We will miss you so much Ol'Daddy. It has been an honor to have him as my grandfather. I will always cherish the memories we had as a family. He was the backbone to this family. He was the most patient, kind, gentle, genuine, and loving person I knew! He will always hold a place in my heart. I love you Ol'Daddy and will see you again in Heaven!
Vatra Solomon
October 30, 2007
In 1965 my father, Neal Solomon of Mount Vernon was elected to serve in the Texas House. That began a renewal of a friendship from Olan's Mount Vernon days. He and Anna and my parents became very dear friends and loved to go to the horse races together the interims. As the years passed Olan and Anna came into my life one weekend when my folks dropped my on their front porch and I began my professional career in Austin but in 1988 when my good friend and future employeer, Bill Ratliff decided to run for the Senate, it was Olan we turned to first.
From that day until Governor Ratliff made his decision to retire, Olan was a wonderful person to "run things passed" and a devoted friend of mine, my family and of course, Governor Ratliff. Oh, how he loved the workings of the Capitol and how he loved being an ear to all those who came to him for advice.
He was my friend, I loved him and I will miss him. Vatra Solomon
Sheri Murphy
October 30, 2007
Olan was "Old Daddy" to myself and my children. Heather and Jack are Olan's grandchildren and my daughter Heather began calling him "Old Daddy" when she was about two. He always found it endearing--and the name stuck! I remember a conversation I had with Old Daddy several years back while watching Jack play baseball.Olan stated that there wasn't enough "gentleness" in the world anymore. Olan knew plenty about gentleness, kindness and humility. He was the consummate "gentle"man. It is often said that it does not matter the year of your birth, nor the year that you leave this earth,what matters is the time in between. I find it comforting to know that Olan’s life made a difference. People's lives were changed and touched because he lived. I pray that all of us can take comfort in knowing that. His was a life well lived. We will miss our Old Daddy terribly!
Tom Ramsay
October 30, 2007
Olan was my friend,He was down to earth.His advice was always good, some times it 'advice' would bring you down to earth.Both of us grew up in Mt Vernon, when I came to Austin that connection Help me.I will miss him,may he rest in peace.
Tom Ramsay
Allison Griffin
October 30, 2007
As a junior lobbyist and political operative, I learned a lot from Olan. He offered wisdom, insight and thoughtful analysis on all things political, while remaining humble and approachable. He was a good man.
Dukes
October 30, 2007
Olan was a kindhearted, straightforward and honest man. I met him over 15 years ago during my first first race. In the world of politics and its rages, I was glad to know a completely honest political person. His race handicapping skills were impeccable. I was proud to call Olan a friend.
Jim & Leita Culpepper
October 30, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. It's hard losing someone you love so much. May you be comforted with the wonderful memories of all the good times you had.
Sue McGown
October 30, 2007
Olan Brewer was a great and loyal friend for many years. His wisdom and common sense were tops! He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Milly (Blanton) Hopkins
October 30, 2007
Olan & Anna were my good friends from UT days to the present. I am deeply saddened by his passing, and my thoughts and prayers are with all the family. He was truly a very special person.
Chay Rees Runnels
October 30, 2007
For 33 years I had the wonderful opportunity to share Texas-OU weekend with Olan. He and my dad, Bert Rees were college roommates at the UT cooperative Theleme. Each year they would meet in Dallas at the Fair to catch up and talk football. When I came to UT in the 1990s and worked at the Capitol, I was always excited to run into him at events. We miss him terribly.
Jeri Slone
October 30, 2007
Mr. Brewer was a rare gem. He took this little West Texas girl under his wing and taught me so much about politics. When I ran for State Representative as a Democrat during the 2000 and 2002 political years, he was straight forward and honest about my chances of winning, but told me to never give up. He opened his door to anyone seeking help and offered blunt but wise advice. To his family, please accept my condolences on your loss, your loved one was a fine man and an icon in the policical world.
Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results
Make a Donation
in Olan Brewer's name
How to support Olan's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Olan Brewer's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored