Gerald B. Brewster

Gerald Brewster passed away early Thursday morning, October 4, 2012 at his home in Hoxie, Kansas at the age of 87. He was born April 18, 1925 on the farm northeast of Hoxie, the only son of Robert L. & Ona (Cressler) Brewster. Gerald grew up on the family farm next to his grandmother Luella Hardesty’s homestead. Even as a small boy Gerald enjoyed fixing and making things. At age 10 he would find bicycle parts around junk yards and put together his first bike. He became a very good mechanic. Gerald attended Bow Creek School and graduated from Hoxie High School with the class of 1943. In 1944 Gerald spent two years in Europe during World War II. He was trained in infantry and 57MM anti-tank gun, but instead was put in a tank as an assistant driver & bow machine gunner. Gerald received a purple heart during his courageous efforts during the war. Because of his father’s failing health, he returned home and took over the farming while taking a 2 year G.I. Agriculture course. Gerald was united in marriage to Betty McClelland on June 6, 1948 at Tasco. Gerald & Betty were blessed with three wonderful children, Ellen, Teresa and Robert. In 1995 Gerald & Betty moved to Hoxie to semi-retire. However, he loved being on the farm so much that he continued to drive out and help when he was able to. Gerald was a faithful member and Elder of the Christian Fellowship Church. He served on many boards; the Studley Co-op, Farm Bureau Board, Bow Creek School Board, County Election Board, Church Board, and later Deacon & Elder. Gerald leaves to cherish his memories; his wife of 64 years, Betty Elizabeth of the home; two daughters, Ellen Howard and husband Jim of Indianola, NE and Teresa Follis and husband Eric of Memphis, TN; son, Robert Brewster and wife Jana of Hoxie; eleven grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren; sisters, Fern Finley of Mesa, AZ and Phyllis Karnes and husband James of Loveland, CO. Gerald is preceded in death by his parents and sister Janet Brewster.