Dr. Joseph L. Brewer

Dr. Joseph L. Brewer, 72, of Springfield, died on Sunday, June 8, 2008 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Champaign, IL. Joseph was born March 10, 1936 in Springfield, the son of Joseph L. and Rosella Benz Brewer. He married Sylvia Adkison on May 26, 1962 in Ankara, Turkey. Joseph graduated from Cathedral Boys High School. He received his Bachelor's Degrees in Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois in 1959 and his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1961. Joseph was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force serving from 1961 1963 as a Captain in Veterinary Services based in Ankara. He was an owner and partner at Capital Illini Veterinary Hospital from 1963 to 1977 and then was the owner of Brewer Animal Hospital until his retirement in 1995. Joseph was on the Board of Veterinary Examiners for the State of Illinois from 1972 1975. He was a life member of both the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association. He was also a senior member and past commodore of the Island Bay Yacht Club and a former member of the Sangamo Club. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Thomas Brewer, M.D. and son-in-law, Cameron Dean, PhD. He is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Sylvia Brewer of Springfield; four children, Ginny (husband, Todd) Bumbalough of Indianapolis, IN, Renee Dean of Springfield, John Brewer of Chatham and Patrick (wife, Renee) Brewer of Sherman; four grandchildren, Sam and Josh Bumbalough and Jessica and Jacob Brewer; his daughter-in-law, Amy Brewer of Springfield, sister-in-law, Bobbie (husband, Bill) Croucher of Cape Corral, FL, and several cousins. Family will receive friends from 5:00 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at Church of the Little Flower, 800 Stevenson Dr, Springfield, IL 62703. Prayer service will be at 5 p.m. Funeral mass will be at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, June 12, 2008 at Church of the Little Flower, 800 Stevenson Dr., Springfield, IL 62703. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702-1766 or Leader Dogs for the Blind, 1039 S. Rochester, Rochester, MI 48307.