Leon Brewbaker

Leon A. Brewbaker was born on March 26, 1926, in Elsie, Michigan Rochester Colony to Carl and Beatrice (Fischer) Brewbaker. He grew up in Elsie and graduated from Elsie High School in 1943. He had two brothers - Donald and Duane, and one sister June all who predeceased him; and two sisters – Betty Boog and Virginia Devereaux who survive him. He served in the U.S. Air Force during WWII, was trained as a Nose gunner on a B-24 Bomber and was stationed in the Panama Canal. In 1949 he attended Ferris State College receiving an Associate Degree in Business then furthered his education toward the insurance profession by taking additional training classes. On May 2, 1953, he married Theresa A. Sobula in St. Johns, Michigan and she survives him. Together they brought four wonderful children into the world all of whom survive him - three sons; Kim (Cindy), Martin (Debra), William (Jennifer), and one daughter Mary (Don). Additional survivors include 10 grandchildren; Richard (Cindy), Laura (Jason), Kati, Jesseka, Martin, Rhonda, Joni (Frank) Christopher (Amy), Danielle, Thomas, and 10 great-grandchildren; Brooke, Paige, Ava, Jakob, Sydney, Aubrey, Skyler, Carly, Kara and Logan.

From January 1956 to 1965 he began what would become a long career in the insurance business starting out as an agent for State Farm Insurance Company in St. Johns. In 1965 he joined A.T. Allaby Insurance which eventually grew into the successful partnership of Allaby & Brewbaker Insurance. Over the years Leon worked very hard to establish a trustworthy and reliable business all-the-while forging many longstanding friendships along the way. His many successes include; 65+ years member of the American Legion Post 153 St. Johns, Professional Insurance Agents Association Board and Legislative Committee, Insurance Agents Advisory Committee and MI Department of Insurance Committee addressing Insurance Reform, Professional Insurance Agent Chairman of the Year 1973 and Agent of the year 1978, Chairman of the Clinton County Republican Party for 8 years, Clinton County Republican Executive Committee, 4th Congressional District Executive Committee, Board of Trustees for Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor (HIFCM) and Co-Chaired Fundraiser Committee for Building HIFCM and the new addition, Clinton Memorial Hospital Board of Directors and Board of Trustees, Member of Clinton Health Foundation Board of Directors, Served on the 1st Soap Box Derby Committee, St. Johns Chamber of Commerce, St. Johns Centennial Committee, Council Executive Board of Boy Scouts of America, Member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Joseph School Board, and Member of the Knights of Columbus, and recipient of the William Patton Award 2001 for distinguished community service, to name a few.

It is quite evident that Leon was a productive and civic minded citizen of St. Johns who, along with many of his peers, cared deeply about the quality of this fine community. And what life would be complete without a little fun! Leon loved to play golf especially with his buddies – Fred Meyer, Jerry Henning, Ken Spicer, Ed Martis, Ken MacDonald, Bob Sirrine, Gene Schoendorf, Jim Durner, Keith Miller and many others. AND, they all knew that Leon’s foursome had to be the first to tee off on Sunday morning!!! In addition, sometimes Leon would take his game a little too serious so the guys saw this as an opportunity to needle him with practical jokes. He didn’t always take it very well but it sure did give them all a good laugh and something fun to reflect on in their later years. As anyone might find when penning the life of another, it is difficult to fully capture the sum of 90 years in a few short paragraphs, but it is certain this representation provides a sampling of the impact this one person made on so many. Leon was a significant presence in our lives and will be profoundly missed by his very patient and loving wife, family, and many, many friends. He served his God, Country, Family, and Community with honor, pride, and distinction – what more can anyone ask of one individual.

Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, 104 E. Cass Street, St. Johns, MI on Wednesday, June 8, 2016 and Thursday June 9, 2016, from 2:00-8:00 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M.  A Vigil/Rosary will be prayed on Thursday at 6:00 P.M.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, MI on Friday June 10, 2016, at 11:00 A.M., with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI

The Brewbaker family would like to extend our deepest appreciation for your many endless prayers and kindness over these past few years. A special thank you to the staff at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor – Thank you all for caring.

If a contribution is preferred in lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the St. Johns American Legion Post 153, 110 E. Walker St., St. Johns, MI 48879, Attention: Ervin Currie, or St. Joseph Catholic Church, 109 Linden St., St. Johns, MI 48879.  Online condolences can be made to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com  The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.