Wednesday, January 28, 2009

A Little Advice

My brother, Randy Ueckert, and I remember so many good times at the East Bernard Tennessee Gas "camp" during our young years with your grandparents, but one stands out for Randy. Mr. Brewer "Pappy" didn'thave a boy, so shall I say, he took him "under his wing" giving him advice on how "not" to let women take advantage of him. He "preached" to him, all the while spitting out that "Beechnut" and telling him not to let a girl get the better of him. He told him not to ever buy a girl an expensive gift, because you will never get it back. That made me smile on our way from Bellville where Randy lives to the funeral, simply BECAUSE all three of his girls, Rosemary, Lynn and Susan had him wrapped around their little fingers. He loved each of them in his own special way. Please take care of your grandmother, she is dear to all of us Ueckerts.

Love, Cheryl Ueckert Brown

Thanks for the memory Cheryl. BV

Friday, January 16, 2009

Stories/Comments


To All Who See This Blog,

My grandfather was an amazing man. He so deeply cared for his family that his passing will leave a void in many hearts for years to come. In order to give those who miss him the most some strength, I am collecting stories/memories and pictures about Alva Brewer that you may have. I will publish these stories here on the blog for all to see. Please send your stories/photos to blakevacek@hotmail.com. I appreciate your help. God Bless.

Blake Vacek

Funeral Services



Alva Brewer passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family on Friday, January 16, 2009. He was 86 years old at the time of his passing. Alva was born May 25, 1922 in Washington County, Mississippi, one of seven children born to Luther David and Nancy Katherine Brewer.

Alva attended school in Avon, Mississippi before entering the United States Air Force in 1942. After a medical discharge due to impaired hearing, he began operating heavy equipment, specifically dragline excavators, and was soon recognized as a Specialist in his field.

Alva married Margaret Rosemary Cerniglia on April 9, 1944 and together they shared 64 years. They lovingly raised a family of two daughters, Margaret Lynn Vacek and Susan Brewer.

Alva and Rosemary made their home in Greenville, Mississippi after Tennessee Gas Pipeline hired Alva in 1947. The couple was transferred from Mississippi to Texas in 1955, settling in East Bernard, Texas in 1960 when Alva became the Pipeline and Compressor Superintendent of District 17 for Tennessee Gas, later recognized as Tenneco. Alva was honored many times for his management and safety achievements, highlighted by attaining the goal of a million man-hours without lost time or accident, which eventually reached the two million man-hour mark.

After a successful career with Tenneco, Alva retired in 1986, but enjoyed his job so much that he continued to do construction work in New York for several years during the spring and summer months. Never to be idle, he also drove and traded vehicles for numerous car dealerships.

Alva was a 32nd degree Mason for more than 50 years. He was a member in good standing in the Valley of Clarksdale Orient of Mississippi and a Master Mason in good standing of the Thomas Gaddis Lodge #0379 of Mississippi.

Alva's entire life was centered around his family and work. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed supporting his family in all endeavors and took a lot of pride and pleasure in wearing “Bellville Red” and attending Bellville Brahmanette Volleyball matches.

He is survived by his wife, Rosemary, and two daughters, Lynn Vacek and husband Bob, and Susan Brewer. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Megan Borchardt and husband Keith, and Blake Vacek and wife Kristen, his great grandchildren, Abigail Borchardt and Emerson Vacek, his brother, George Brewer and sisters, Allie Gene Neely and Thryza Gibbs.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 18, 2009 at the East Bernard United Methodist Church. The funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 19, 2009 in the East Bernard United Methodist Church, 421 Pietzsch Street, East Bernard, Texas 77435.

The family wishes to extend its’ heartfelt thanks to the entire staff of caregivers provided by Silverado Hospice for their kind and loving care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Alva’s memory be made to Silverado Hospice, 2205 Williams Trace Blvd. Suite 101, Sugar Land, Texas 77478.