Ron Brewer, 73, of LaHarpe, Ill., passed away surrounded by family in his home on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 7:20 a.m.
Ron was born November 8, 1951 in LaHarpe, the son of Kenneth and Betty (Howe) Brewer. On April 3, 1975 he married Penny Collins-Woodside. She preceded him in death April 17, 2019.
To know Ron was to love Ron. Affectionately known as RB to friends and family, he was a tough exterior with a soft inside. He was a generous soul whom would help anyone at anytime; even if he did not know them. He often would stop when he would see people on the side of the road and offer help.
RB was a racer at heart. He started his racing career on motorcycles, then he transferred to stock car racing. Many weekends were spent at the track. Once he was unable to race anymore, he still attended races as much as possible with Glenn and Bryce, often riding motorcycles there.
RB owned and operated Ron Brewer Construction for over 30 years. He was known for his fair prices and cement and field tile work. During winter he switched hats and became the snow plow guy. This was one of his favorite jobs and of course he did it at a high rate of speed. When his health made him slow down, he couldn’t rest so he bought the bar in LaHarpe and ran RB’s Pit Stop for close to 10 years. He loved the social part of this. He developed a lot of close relationships here including his “RB’s Girls” and played many card games.
He enjoyed playing cards and would play every chance he could. He would often have “rain days” on the sunniest of days just to play pitch in Blandinsville with the guys. He was all fun and games until the cards were dealt.
Motorcycle riding was also one of his favorite things to do. He and the guys, including Bryce often times, would take off and go all over the place, including Sturgis, Tennessee and numerous races. He was a member of The Eagles in Carthage and enjoyed Sunday breakfast there with his family many times.
While Ron loved all of this, there was nothing he loved more than his family. Saying he was a proud father and grandfather is an understatement. Karri, Bryce and Myah were his whole world. He stepped up and gave his grandchildren the father figure they needed in their lives.
RB is survived by one daughter: Karri Brewer-Wallace of LaHarpe; one grandson and best friend: Bryce (Kahlen Seitz) Marsden of LaHarpe and one granddaughter: Myah Wallace at home. Also surviving is his girlfriend: Carol Wilson of LaHarpe; two sisters: Sarah (Ken) Foxall of Macomb and Donna Newlan of Dallas City; one brother: Terry Brewer of Dallas City; one brother-in-law: Tom Maynard of Pontoosuc, Illinois, Amanda Donaldson who he considered one of his own, his granddog, Waffles and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Besides his wife, he was preceded in death, tragically, by his beloved son: Greg Brewer, his parents, his in-laws: Owen and Louise Collins; one step-son: Jerome Woodside; one sister: Mel Maynard and one brother: Kevin Brewer. His family is at peace knowing he is reunited with these loved ones, especially Greg, who was taken way too soon.
Banks & Beals Funeral Home of LaHarpe is assisting the family.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Friday, May 23, 2025 at the LaHarpe Christian Church in LaHarpe.
The funeral service for RB will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 24, 2025 at the LaHarpe Christian Church with Pastor Nate McCarter officiating. Burial will follow in Terre Haute, Illinois, Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the church.
A memorial fund has been established for Myah Wallace’s education. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit Ron’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.