Paul “Doug” Douglas Brewer was born on August 23, 1954, at the Wesley Hospital in Wichita, KS. His birth parents were Laurie Webster Coverdale from Anaconda, Dear Lodge County, Montanna and Howard Blue. Soon after birth, Paul was adopted by Paul Howard Brewer and Nancy Lou (Kuhl) Brewer from Rt 1, Haven, KS. Paul Sr. was a farmer, auctioneer and part-time car salesman. Paul was raised on the family farm located between Haven and Mount Hope, KS, and four years later was joined by a younger brother, Michael Alan Brewer. Paul passed away on April 1, 2026, at Diversicare in Hutchinson, KS.
He attended school at Haven, KS from kindergarten through high school, graduating in 1972. Paul played drums in the percussion section of the grade school and high school bands for both marching and concert performances. The concert band would also attend various competitions during the school year, usually receiving high marks. Once he mentioned that Mrs. McLain, an English teacher in high school, was one of his favorite teachers as she would loan him various books to read. He so enjoyed that. Paul also attended the University of Washington in Seattle for one year. He became a life-long Seattle Seahawks fan.
On November 2, 1973, Paul went on active duty with the US Army eventually serving in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged as an SP4, E4 on November 30, 1976, but remained with the US Army Reserve Control Group until November 1, 1979, when his reserve mission obligation was completed. He trained and served at Fort Sill, OK as a Private 1st Class, 63B20 (MOS – Military Occupational Specialty), Battery C – 5th Missile Battalion - Field Artillery School Brigade (Unit); Fort Sill, OK and was transferred, reporting date October 23, 1974, to Fort Lewis, WA where he served with the Army’s 9th Infantry Division, known as the “Old Reliables”. Paul stated that on July 4, 1976, “I marched with several thousand troops for the nation’s 200th birthday.” He also trained at Denali in Alaska and at White Sands, New Mexico in May of 1975. He mentioned that, “We were at the end of desert war games. 82nd Airborne Brigade was our aggressors. All of a sudden, this Coors refrigerator beer semi pulls up and starts selling beer. Yeah, right in the middle of White Sands proving grounds.” Paul was also very proud that he had served under “Stormin’ Norman”, Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Norman Schwarzkopf.
Paul was a true “car guy”. Not only did he work for many years for the Ford Motor Company out of the pacific northwest; he loved NASCAR, attending time trials and races. At one time he drove a bright yellow Corvette and in his earlier years around 1970, he raced a bright red Z28 at the Wichita International Speedway proclaiming, “pulling front wheels off the ground banging 2nd gear”. Prior to retirement he worked in Hutchinson, KS at Midwest Ford and Hambelton LaGreca. In the course of Paul’s time at Fort Lewis, WA, he married Lisa Kroeger Brewer Nelson of Wichita, KS. They later divorced and he married Donna Marie Wood of Hutchinson, KS. They divorced in 2000. During the marriage, Paul adopted Donna’s daughter, Sarah Mae. In 2001, Paul married Catherine Simon Combs of Hutchinson and they divorced in 2012.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his partner, Toni Parker, Hutchinson; a brother, Dr. Michael Brewer DDS; a half-brother Michael Kaiser, NC; two half-sisters and another half-brother; and his daughter Sarah Petersen (Jeff), Inman. Grandchildren include Braden White, Tristan White (Kalli) and Kale Zizumbo, all of Inman, KS; Haley Garcia (Jaydon) of Hutchinson and Jullian White (Aurora) of Lindsborg, KS. He also has nine great-grandchildren. Others include Heather Parker, Shelby Self (Jayden King), Jordon King, Armani King, Austin Parker (Ann) and Emily Parker, all of Hutchinson.
Cremation has taken place at the Hutchinson Funeral Home and Crematorium. Burial will take place at a later date at the Mount Hope Cemetery, Mount Hope, KS. Graveside services will be held with military honors. Arrangements and care entrusted to Hutchinson Funeral Chapel & Crematory.
Paul wrote, “I wish I could invite all my friends from around the globe, rent a hall, open bar, a place outside in back for other things, good music and by the end of the night you can see how great you all are and how blessed I am to have you.”