Richard Brewer, 79, Marshalltown and formerly of State Center
Proud veteran, Richard Brewer, 79, of Marshalltown, Iowa, formerly of State Center, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at the Iowa River Hospice Home in Marshalltown.
Services for Richard will take place on Monday, July 3 at 10:30 A.M. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. A visitation will be held one hour prior beginning at 9:30 A.M. He will be laid to rest at Albion Cemetery. Full military honors will be provided by the combined VFW/American Legion of the surrounding area. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for later designation. For condolences and questions, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.
Richard was born February 8, 1944 at the St. Thomas hospital in Marshalltown, Iowa, the son of Kenneth and Rosetta “Jane” (Keeler) Brewer. Growing up on the family farm, hard work and dedication were important from an early age.
In 1961, at only 17 years old, he entered into service in the United States Army. He proudly served his country for 20 years and 20 days, retiring in February of 1981. He spent 14 years overseas with combat duty in Can Tho, Vietnam. He was an MP, Infantryman, Personnel Management, Air Defense Operations Sergeant, First Sergeant and Last Rank Master Sergeant. Richard received the Armed Forces Expeditionary medal, VN Campaign medal, Army Commendation medal, National Defense Service medal, Bronze Star and Good Conduct medal.
Richard returned to the Midwest and he was united in marriage to Floy L. (Hall) Matteson on June 26, 1982. They shared 31 wonderful years together before her passing in 2013. He worked for the West Marshall School District in State Center as Transportation Director from 1984 to 2001. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion, the VFW, the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and the Retired Enlisted Association.
Richard was proud of his country and also incredibly proud of his family. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a large part of his life and he truly adored the special times they shared together.
Left to cherish his memory are his four children: Lilian (Brian) Montalbano, Rick Brewer (fiancée Heide), Lori (Brian) Hoover and Teresa Hoskins; grandchildren: Brittany (Matt), Jon (Heather), Sable (Robert), Brian and Olivia; and great-grandchildren: Marisa, Aaden, Camdyn, Madsenn, Kara, Kailiee, Jaekob, Elena, Lea and Tristin; and extended family including his in-laws, nieces and nephews.
In eternal life, Richard is reunited with his wife, Floy; his parents, Kenneth and Jane; and his sisters: Betty Brewer and Patricia Kerr.
