Roger Chalmer "Papa, Pops, JagBag #5" Brewer

The most interesting man in the world is actually our dad, Roger Brewer (or Papa, Pops, JagBag #5, or whatever name you called him). He measured only 5'8" but stood about 7 feet tall. Born October 17, 1939, to parents Chalmer and Ella (Lindemann) Brewer in Evanston, IL, and has always been a bit rambunctious. He learned to drive at 13. From motorcycles to semi-trucks, or a stock car on a dirt track – if it had wheels, or didn't, he could drive it. He fished in Bass Master Tournaments, played cards like a shark, was a loyal friend, and preferred being on the water fishing than just about anything else.

With a few varied vocations under his belt, he gave office work a go at Lightning Products for many years. His oldest daughter, Shelly, gave him a briefcase for the role and his important papers are stored in it to this day. Eventually, his career shifted to construction. Supervising commercial projects, he became a cornerstone at Lankford Construction -helping drive the company from a local home remodeler to a national commercial contractor. He was well respected and retired at 60 years old as Vice President with just an 8th grade education and a GED.

Along the way, Roger married Donna (Ferguson). The two raised Shelly Quirk and Keith, who proceeded him in passing, and Bryan. Roger and Donna later divorced in the mid-seventies.

In 1981 Roger married Sue (Gall), who he loved deeply until her passing in 2023. Roger and Sue blended their families adding Linda Ott, Mike Walker, Adrienne Ku, and Becky Jackson to the mix for a total of 7 kids. It was a ruckus home with friends and pets – many of which Roger questioned but Sue encouraged him to allow. The snakes were a hard sell!

The family expanded as Roger and Sue welcomed sons-in-law Eric Ott, Bon Ku, and Randy Jackson, as well as Keith's life partner, Tammy, and Bryan's, Diana. He cherished his 11 grandchildren, David (who proceeded him in passing) and Joe Quirk, Alex and Riley (Nicole) Ott, Taylor (Tommy) Dvorak and Bailey Walker, John Brewer, Tyler and Ryan Ku, and Emilia and Jamie Jackson. He had 7 great grandchildren and was tickled to hear news of 3 on the way with Riley and Nicole's twins due in February and Taylor and Tommy's baby due in March.

Since retiring, Roger spent most of his time fishing. When he wasn't on the water, he and Sue sprinkled their talents all over central Florida – moving into fixer-uppers, rehabbing them and then moving on to the next. They met and made dear friends who kept him company in the past few years after losing Sue.

Roger's last weeks were filled with visits from his friends and neighbors along with a surprise birthday party. The Compassionate Care team and support from neighbors, too many to list here, and family members kept Roger comfortable and his spirits high. He passed at home, knowing he was loved, on October 19th.

He may have passed but he really lived.

Roger's family will hold a celebration of life in the future. Cards, prayers, and heartfelt thoughts are welcome. Roger continued to generously support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Sue's memory after her passing. In lieu of flowers please continue his practice at cure.childrenscancer.org.