Donald R. Brewster
October 4, 1931 — February 14, 2024
February 23, 2024 – 11:00am cst
DONALD RALPH BREWSTER was born on October 4, 1931 to Charles and Maude Brewster in Beloit, Wis. He grew up in Beloit and graduated from Beloit High School in 1949.
Don was in Ranger Scouts earning many badges including the, “God and Country Award” and becoming an Eagle Scout. In High School he was a member of the chorus and loved to sing. In conversation a word would always trigger a song.
After graduation he attended DeVry, technical school for radio and television.
On May 13, 1951 he married Patricia Jane Lewis and they were married almost 73 years. They moved to Chicago where he continued his education at DeVry. Upon completion he was drafted into the Army during the Korean conflict. After induction at Fort Sheridan, Ill. he was station at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. After training in Anti-Aircraft and Guided Missiles he taught in the school until completing his service in 1954.
Along with their baby daughter, Susan Diane they returned to Beloit. Don was then employed for the summer at a radio station in Rockford, IL, which led to his employment at CBS, channel 2 in Chicago. There he began work in radio and then television. He worked various positions culminating as part of a mini-cam crew collecting news on the street. After 39 years he retired at age 59.
Don has two siblings, a younger brother Ronald and a sister Ellen, three nieces and one nephew. His son Robert Donald was born in 1957 while living in Glen Ellyn, Il. His family grew to include six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. His oldest great-grand-daughter is in high school and his youngest almost three months old.
In 1958 Don and Pat were baptized into Christ at the West Chicago Church of Christ and worshiped there for almost 66 years. Don’s love of God, his family and his church family were evident in all he did. He loved family get-togethers and trips to visit family and friends. Don and his family spent many winters downhill snow skiing in upper Michigan. An active vacation with only farm and forest reports on the radio. Board and card games filled the evenings.
Don was a doer and always on the move. He thought lying on the beach was a waste of time. He wanted to be in the water swimming, water skiing, windsurfing or parasailing. He would try anything, even a session of snorkeling in Hawaii.
Upon becoming a Christian his service to God began almost immediately, teaching classes, youth groups, planning fellowships and serving as a Deacon and then an Elder. ROCKFORD CHRISTIAN CAMP was his joy. When the board voted to purchase their own property he was one of the first to help get the camp ready for campers. There were no cabins on the property and only a kitchen and pavilion. Don and his father prepared the foundation for the first cabins, eight in all. He was working nights and would drive to Rockford in the morning, work on the cabins, come home and leave for work by 3 or 4 pm.
Thru the years Don served in almost every leadership role, from counselor, teacher, athletic director, canoeing, assistant director and director. In later years he continued to attend camp sessions doing what he could to help. He was a board member until the day he died.
Don was also involved in service to Lake Geneva Christian Encampment in Lake Geneva, WI, Shults Lewis Children’s Home in Valparaiso, In., Bible Study Fellowship which he attended six years and went on to serve as a teaching leader for several years. He and Pat were actively involved in Marriage Encounter and presented a total of 41 weekends over 18 years, traveling to Texas, Tenn., Florida, Washington D.C., Mass., N.Y., Colorado, Indiana, Ohio and locally.
He participated in five Mission Trips to Honduras building playground equipment, houses, a church building and a swinging foot bridge so the children could get to school during the rainy season.
Don also became a historian for the church in West Chicago and for Rockford Christian Camp, documenting events, people coming and going, building construction, preachers and activities. He saved everything!
Don passed from this life at home on Feb. 14, 2024.
He was a man of faith, love and service and leaves a powerful legacy for those who would follow.
He will be greatly missed by his family and those whose lives he touched.
We rejoice in the victory of his salvation. Sing with the angels Don.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2024, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Norris-Segert Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 132 Fremont Street (One block north of Washington St. & Main St.). A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at West Chicago Church of Christ, 350 E. James Ave, West Chicago, IL.
Contributions in Don’s memory may be made to Rockford Christian Camp, 3993 Blackhawk Rd., Rockford, IL 61109 or Donate < Rockford Christian Camp; Shults-Lewis Child and Family Services, P.O. Box 471, Valparaiso, IN 46384.
For Information 630-231-0060
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