Claude M Brewer

Claude M. Brewer, born September 26, 1938, passed away on March 4, 2026. Claude was a quiet man who loved to have fun. Adventurous, outgoing, hardworking, ornery, kind, and a bit of a prankster, he was deeply devoted to his family. A God-fearing man, Claude found great joy in the outdoors and often used it as a place to teach, play, and share God’s creation with those he loved. Friends knew him as an honest and upstanding man and a wonderful friend to have.

Known to his grandchildren as “Paw Paw,” Claude left a lasting impression on everyone he met. His family remembers him as a man skilled in nearly everything he did and someone who seemed to have a bit of luck on his side—often joking that he was like a cat with nine lives. Whether it was encounters with rattlesnakes, surviving car accidents, his defibrillator shocking him while mowing the lawn, or even being run over by his grandson, Claude always showed resilience and determination.

Claude graduated from Silk Hope High School in North Carolina in 1957. In November 1961, he was drafted into the United States Army. He completed basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and was later transferred to Fort Hood, Texas. During his service, Claude served as a Heavy Artillery Cannoneer and Paratrooper with the 1st Armored Division, 1st Battalion, 73rd Artillery, completing more than 1,200 jumps. While in the Army, he earned the Sharpshooter Award after qualifying with the M14 rifle.

After his military service, Claude attended Grayson County College, where he studied auto body repair.

Claude spent 37 years working at Rockwell, specializing in Navy contracts, communications systems, and radar systems for the C-130 aircraft, as well as nuclear submarine communications. During his career, he helped develop a brake system used within the C-130, improving aircraft operation and radar communication systems.

Later in life, Claude enjoyed farming on his land, raising cattle and teaching his grandchildren the ins and outs of farm life. He also loved hunting, fishing, cars, guns, fried catfish, and strawberry ice cream.

Claude is survived by his spouse, Karen; his former spouse, Brenda; his sisters, Sylvia and Faye; his son Kevin and his spouse Sandy; and Karen’s children, Kim and Kathy.

He is also survived by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Kelton and his spouse Hannah, with children Emma, Evelynn, and Elaine; Cassidy and her husband Matt, with son Hayes; Cameron and his spouse Sonnie, with son Hudson; and Kalee, with children Audrey and Cohen.

Claude was preceded in death by his parents, Wrenn and Esta Brewer; his sisters Grace and Maxine; and Karen’s son Shawn.

Claude will be remembered for his strength, humor, adventurous spirit, and the deep love he had for his family.

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