Melvin LaMar Brewer

“Thus passeth a member of The Greatest Generation.” Melvin LaMar (Mel) Brewer passed from this life on Tuesday, August 15, 2017. He was 96 years old. Born October 11, 1920 to Silas M. and Sophie Stevens Brewer in what is now South Salt Lake, Utah, the ninth of ten children. He was the last surviving member of that family. Mel graduated from South High School in Salt Lake City in 1936. He married Virginia Evelyn Plant in June, 1939, and together they had five children. After living in Salt Lake City for 46 years, they moved to St. George, Utah in 1985. Virginia died in March, 1995. Mel married Beth Madsen in June, 1996. She died in March, 2002. Mel married Phyllis Overlade Vowles in August, 2003. She also preceded him in death October, 2013. In each of his marriages, Mel willingly took on the role of tender caregiver. Mel served in the Army during World War II from 1944 to 1946 in the Pacific area, including the Philippine Islands and during the occupation of Japan. He achieved the rank of Technical Sergeant. Upon returning home, Mel began his career as a salesman, one much valued by his clients for his unwavering integrity. When not working hard to provide for his young family, Mel used his carpentry skills to build everything from bookshelves to an entire house. Mel was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a high priest. Among his many callings, he served two missions, one in the Los Angeles Temple Visitors Center and the second in the St. George LDS Temple. A beloved teacher of many gospel topics, he particularly enjoyed teaching Gospel Doctrine and the High Priests group. Mel was a resident of the Southern Utah Veteran’s Home for over three years, where he served on the Resident Council and made friends with everyone who met him. Mel leaves behind his daughters Betsy (Joseph) Jenkins, Linda (David) Szelowski, Gladys (Michael) Marietti, son Mervin (Sandra) Brewer, sisters-in-law Lou Gerbig and Pauline Abbott. His beloved son Marvin died in 1975. He has 36 grandchildren, 18+ extended grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren and 5 great, great grandchildren. Mel was proud of his posterity and his extended family, which he always said totaled over 100. Viewing will be held from 1:00-2:00PM on Saturday, August 19th, 2017 at the LDS Heritage Park Chapel, 290 E. 1060 S., Ivins, UT 84738. Funeral services to follow from 2:00PM-3:00PM at the same location. Interment to follow in the St. George City Cemetery. For those unable to attend the funeral, there will be a Memorial Service on Sunday, August 20th, 2017 from 1:00-2:00PM at the Southern Utah Veteran’s Home, 160 N. 200 E., Ivins, UT 84738.

Melvin LaMar Brewer

October 11, 1920 - August 15, 2017