Roland R. Brinker

Roland Brinker, family patriarch and Evansville businessman, was surrounded by his loving family as he passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday afternoon September 8, 2024, at 2:23pm.
Roland was born on January 19, 1940, in Evansville, Indiana. He was the son of Ray & Lorena Brinker. He had 5 siblings (Leona Cook, Beatrice McFall, Donald Brinker, Benny Brinker and Nancy Ubelhor) and he was a graduate of North High School. Roland was the loving husband of Eula "Jeanette" Brinker (Kuhen). They were married for 63 years and had four children: Dean (Cheryl) Brinker, Darren (Timberly) Brinker, Dirk (Cindy) Brinker and Darrett Brinker. He was a grandfather to Kyle, Drew (Mallory), Trey, Eric, Collin (Emily), Cole (Casey), Chance, Dylan, Darcey, and Lanson. He was a great-grandfather to Preston, James and Cora.
Roland was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Lorena Brinker and siblings Leona Cook, Beatrice McFall, and Donald Brinker.
Roland was guided by the principles of: hard work, honoring your word, treating other's how you want to be treated and treating other's property like it was your own. He had four loves in his life: his family, Brinker's Jewelers, Eagle Valley Golf Course, and the game of golf! Roland worked as a cook at The Tennesseean Restaurant in downtown Evansville and he also worked at Gem Craft Jewelers where he learned jewelry and watch repair. After 11 years of working two jobs and with the help of his supportive wife, Jeanette, the two founded Brinker's Jewelers in 1972 on Evansville's east side. With a wife and four children under the age of 12, Roland took the cash value out of a small life insurance policy, sold Jeanette's diamond from her engagement ring and took parts from his son's high chair to make his first jewelers bench and started his family business. Brinker's Jewelers is still owned and operated by the Brinker family and recently celebrated its 52nd anniversary of serving the Evansville community. Roland chased his dreams once again in 1994 when he was a partner and developer of Eagle Crossing Subdivision, where he later became the principal owner of Eagle Valley Golf Course which opened in 1998. Located on Evansville's north side in the heart of McCutchanville, Eagle Valley Golf Course was owned and operated by the Brinker family for over 20 years. Roland created many long lasting friendships throughout his life because he was honest and fair. He donated his businesses time and their financial resources along with his personal time throughout the years to McCutchanville Park, local golf courses, local golf tournaments and to many boys and girls golf teams in the Evansville community. Countless children created lifelong memories with family and friends, learned the game of golf and earned college golf scholarships with the help of Eagle Valley Golf Course and Brinker's Jewelers.
At the request of Roland, the Brinker family will honor his wishes for a private family service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Fendrich Men's Club or J.H. Fendrich Golf Course where Roland was first introduced to the game of golf. Memorial Contributions: J.H. Fendrich Golf Course C/O Fendrich Men's Club 1900 East Diamond Avenue Evansville, Indiana 47711 (812) 435-6026