Monday, April 27, 2009

Thanks to Everyone for a Wonder Service and Tribute

The grave-side service for Dad was amazing! Everything worked out and was a relief for Mom to have everything go smoothly. It was hot and windy up on the hill at Peru. Dad was one of the windiest guys you would ever meet so that was appropriate!

All of us have estimated that there must have been somewhere around 200 people there. Mom couldn't remember having seen that many people up there before. We were shocked to see cars lining the road up the hill with cars having to park almost down to the highway.

Cinda Osburn did an incredible job officiating the services which happened to be her first one since being ordained just last week. She and dad always had a special relationship. Cinda did a very good job keeping it together even with Gail and Peggy sitting in front... lol.

After the opening prayer, Lana and Monnie sang Amazing Grace which set the tone for the rest of the services with excellent harmony. Lonnie read the eulogy following, which was the copy that was used for the obituary.

The songs played for reflection during the service where picked by Landon (He Walked on Water), Eric (Daddy's Hands) and Mom,Gail and Peggy (Go Rest High on the Mountain). All moving and very descriptive of how all of us though of Dad.

Prior to the closing prayer, Cinda opened it up for people to say something about Dad which she started off by sharing how Dad attempted to teach her how to water-ski one summer on Hula lake. Nathan followed by sharing how Dad made sure Nathan new he was watching out for him while playing basketball and no one would lay a hand on him. Then Walter Darnell pretty much summed things up by saying "It's shows what kind of a man Bud was by the number of people that have come here to pay their respects, Bud was a great man.)

Immediately following there was a meal provided for family and friends at the Peru Senior Citizens center. Our thanks to the fantastic lady's that provided this for us! It was enjoyed by everyone and gave an opportunity to visit, reminisce and reflect in a very comfortable setting. Many donations will be sent to the Peru Alumni Scholarship and the Peru Senior Citizens funds in Dad's name.

Some of the attendees said to me that it was a perfect "Country" service, just like Bud would have wanted.

Mom is doing great and finally getting some well deserved rest. If you have a chance, please call, email or better yet, drop by for a visit with her! She'd love to see everyone. Most likely she'll be outside attending to her flowers, picking up sticks or raking leaves!

Thanks again for everyone's support, love and prayers!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Corrected and REVISED - Obituary for Dad

Thanks Shelley and Jeri Marie for bring this important omission to my attention! The Correction is made... THANKS for catching this! Mom told them and even spelled her name for him... heck, THEN I missed it in editing it as well!!!!

You can buy me books and buy me books, but all I do is look at the pictures! LOL This is why it has to be "TEAM" Burnin' Daylight... it really takes a team with the Brewster crew! (we also noticed there were some other important details that we left completely out as well)

Willard C. “Bud” Brewster Jr.

Willard C. “Bud” Brewster Jr., age 80, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, formerly of Sedan, passed away Tuesday afternoon, April 21, 2009 at the Wilson Medical Center in Neodesha, Kansas.

At 3:09pm Tuesday, April 21, 2009 Bud Brewster passed away from this life on earth to a much greater calling to be with the Lord. Although we will miss him in body, we will never forget the impact the Husband, Dad, Uncle, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and Friend Bud Brewsters' Spirit has made on each and everyone of us.

And what a beautiful day to be called to go to Heaven! No more pain and suffering... only eternal peace that will help him continue to influence our character and help us throughout our stay here. There's no doubt Dad will continue to provide for us in the ranks of the Angels! And he'd better hurry up and get his wings... Cause we're Burnin' Daylight!

He was born in Burbank, Oklahoma on May 23, 1928 to Willard C. and Clara M. (Ellis) Brewster. As a child Bud lived in Michigan and Arkansas before moving back to Peru, Kansas. He attended school in Peru, Kansas graduating from Peru High School in 1946. After High School he attended Independence Community College. As a hard-working young man, he made a living doing several things including: following the wheat harvest, picking cotton in Texas, he helped build Hula Lake in Oklahoma, worked cattle and many other hard jobs.

On March 8, 1951 he enlisted in the United States Army serving his country for two years earning the rank of Sergeant during the Korean conflict with active service before being honorably discharged on March 3, 1953. Later that year he married Joycelyn Jane Teehee of Peru, Kansas, they were married at Sedan, Kansas. He worked as an Oil Field Production Manager for Rigdon-Bruen Oil Company in Sedan for twenty four years before retiring in 1997. Prior to that he was employed by Darnall Brothers for 25 years. In 1997 they moved to Bartlesville, Oklahoma where they have lived the past eleven years.

He loved to do any kind of mechanics work especially work on small engine repairs in his shop in the Bartlesville area. He enjoyed boating and teaching kids how to water-ski, this was where most kids and grandchildren learned the term "come on we're Burnin' Daylight". He was an avid water skier well into his 60's. He had a knack for inventing things such as the Sit n Ski, Can Crusher and countless other tools and devices well before they were in mass production. He was a champion blackberry and plum picker, worked with leather and loved playing basketball up until he was in his 50's. Gardening wasn’t just a hobby for Bud, his gardens were very large and helped provide not only food, but income for the family as well. One of his passions was to watch kids and grandkids play sports. He rarely missed a game no matter where it was being played. For many years he also spent his Fourth of July shooting fireworks for the Vinita, Oklahoma community.

He is survived by his wife, Jane Brewster of the home, three sons, Monnie and wife Lana Brewster of Fort Scott, Kansas, Lonnie and wife Bobi Brewster of Caney, Kansas, and Tony and wife Jeanie Brewster of Conway, Arkansas, two daughters, Gail and husband Jugg Swaim of Copan, Oklahoma, and Peggy and Steve Mumma of Dewey, Oklahoma, two brothers, Jim Brewster of Naylor, Arkansas and Vernon Brewster of Howard, Kansas and one sister Wilda Guest of Wichita, Kansas; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Otto Brewster of Colorado.

Family and friends may call from 12:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Thursday, April 23, 2009 and Friday, April 24, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Sedan, Kansas.

A Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 24, 2009 at the Peru Cemetery in Peru, Kansas with Cinda Osburn officiating. Cremation will follow and inurnment will be held at a later date.

Paull-Bearers are grandsons Nathan Brewster, Eric Mumma, Landon Swaim, Hunter Brewster and Mikie Brannam.

Honorary Paull-Bearers are granddaughters Dustie Swaim, Rachel Mumma and Samantha Brewster.

The family has suggested memorials to the donor’s choice and may be left in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home 209 N. Douglas, Sedan, Kansas 67361.

To view the entire obituary online or to leave a message for the family, visit www.dwbfh.com.

The family also has created a blog site to leave a message for the family, visit http://teamburnindaylight.blogspot.com.

David W. Barnes Funeral Home of Sedan is in charge of arrangements.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Arrangements have been for Dad's Memorial Service and Obituary

Hello all, here is the Obituary that will be published in several of the local newspapers...

Willard C. “Bud” Brewster Jr.

Willard C. “Bud” Brewster Jr., age 80, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, formerly of Sedan, passed away Tuesday afternoon, April 21, 2009 at the Wilson Medical Center in Neodesha, Kansas.

At 3:09pm Tuesday, April 21, 2009 Bud Brewster passed away from this life on earth to a much greater calling to be with the Lord. Although we will miss him in body, we will never forget the impact the Husband, Dad, Uncle, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and Friend Bud Brewsters' Spirit has made on each and everyone of us.

And what a beautiful day to be called to go to Heaven! No more pain and suffering... only eternal peace that will help him continue to influence our character and help us throughout our stay here. There's no doubt Dad will continue to provide for us in the ranks of the Angels! And he'd better hurry up and get his wings... Cause we're Burnin' Daylight!

He was born in Burbank, Oklahoma on May 23, 1928 to Willard C. and Clara M. (Ellis) Brewster. He attended school in Peru, Kansas graduating from Peru High School in 1946. After High School he attended Independence Community College. On March 8, 1951 he enlisted in the United States Army serving his country for two years in during the Korean conflict with active service before being honorable discharged on March 3, 1953. Later that year he married Joycelyn Jane Teehee of Peru, Kansas in Sedan, Kansas. He worked as an Oil Field Production Manager for Rigdon-Bruen Oil Company in Sedan for twenty four years before retiring in 1997. Prior to that he was employed by Darnall Brothers for 25 years. In 1998 they moved to Bartlesville, Oklahoma where they have lived the past eleven years.

He loved to do any kind of mechanics work especially work on small engine repairs in his shop in the Bartlesville area. He enjoyed boating and teaching kids how to water-ski, this was where most kids and grandchildren learned the term "come on we're Burnin' Daylight". He was an avid water skier well into his 60's. He had a knack for inventing things such as the Sit n Ski well before it was in mass production as well as a Can Crusher and countless other tools and devices. He was a champion blackberry picker, worked with leather and loved playing basketball up until he was in his 50's. One of his passions was to watch kids and grandkids play sports. He rarely missed a game no matter where it was being played. For many years he also spent his Fourth of July shooting fireworks for the Vinita, Oklahoma community.

He is survived by his wife, Jane Brewster of the home, three sons, Monnie and wife Lana Brewster of Fort Scott, Kansas, Lonnie and wife Bobi Brewster of Caney, Kansas, and Tony and wife Jeanie Brewster of Conway, Arkansas, two daughters, Gail and husband Jugg Swaim of Copan, Oklahoma, and Peggy and Steve Mumma of Dewey, Oklahoma, two brothers, Jim Brewster of Naylor, Arkansas and Vernon Brewster of Howard, Kansas; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Otto Brewster.

Family and friends may call from 12:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Thursday, April 23, 2009 and Friday, April 24, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Sedan, Kansas.

A Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 24, 2009 at the Peru Cemetery in Peru, Kansas with Cinda Osburn officiating. Cremation will follow and inurnment will be held at a later date.

Paull-Bearers are grandsons Nathan Brewster, Eric Mumma, Landon Swaim, Hunter Brewster and Mikie Brannam.

Honorary Paull-Bearers are granddaughters Dustie Swaim, Rachel Mumma and Samantha Brewster.

The family has suggested memorials to the donor’s choice and may be left in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home 209 N. Douglas, Sedan, Kansas 67361.

To view the entire obituary online or to leave a message for the family, visit www.dwbfh.com.

The family also has created a blog site to leave a message for the family, visit http://teamburnindaylight.blogspot.com.

David W. Barnes Funeral Home of Sedan is in charge of arrangements.


Brand New Day and Chapter in all our Lives

Yes, today is the start of a brand new day for all of us... especially Mom. There's no manual for how do get through this and I have no doubt she is going to do an incredible job of handling things! We're all so proud of you Mom! Heck if she can raise us five kids and put up with all of our awkward stages ( I'm pretty sure I'm about to get over mine, ya right) then she can endure ANYTHING!

Most importantly a new day for Dad!!! I can see him now... makin' plans on all the lakes he's gonna be on and it's always like glass! (No white-caps Gail!) He won't have to spend hours teaching anyone who to get up on skis... they all know how!!! And as much fried chicken and potato salad as you can eat! I'll bet he's already asked Grandma Teehee for some of her famous chocolate cake! ( I know I will when I get there)

Bottom line is: He's in a much better place now and we can all take comfort that he's resting in the arms of the Lord and making plans of the rest of his eternal life!

As it stands now... the services will be this Friday the 24th in Sedan, KS. I'll know more this afternoon and will post an update as quickly as possible.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

3:09pm Dad Got Called up to the Big Leagues

It's with great Pride, Love and Admiration that I post this entry onto Dad's blog...

At 3:09pm this afternoon Bud Brewster passed away from this life on earth to a much greater calling to be with the Lord. Although we will miss him in body, we will never forget the impact the Husband, Dad, Uncle, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and Friend Bud Brewsters' Spirit has made on each and everyone of us.

From early this morning Dad has been surrounded by family. At approximately 9:30 this morning the oxygen was removed and dad started to complete his stay here with all of us. The morning was filled with peaceful song and prayer. He was showered with Hugs and Kisses from all of the kids that he used to care and provide for. It was truly a blessing for all of us to be with him today!

And what a beautiful day to be called to go to Heaven! No more pain and suffering... only eternal peace that will help him continue to influence our character and help us throughout our stay here. There's no doubt Dad will continue to provide for us in the ranks of the Angels! And he'd better hurry up and get his wings... Cause we're Burnin' Daylight!

I'll provide an update as soon as we know details for arrangements in the coming days!

On behalf of Mom and my brothers and sisters, thank you all for your thoughts and prayers for our family!

God bless you all,
Tony

The Time is Upon Us...

Hello everyone... the past couple of days has taken Mom and the family on a series of roller coaster rides that have been treacherous, but ones that we've anticipated for some time now.

Dad's pneumonia has progress and more fluid is beginning to consume his lungs causing him to labor to breathe. The oxygen he is on as assisted this breathing, but he continues to decline and every breath becomes a struggle.

As of this morning, Mom called everyone and the kids are headed back up to the hospital to be with Mom and Dad. Sometime this morning when Mom is ready she'll request that the oxygen be taken away and let Dad pass-on under his and God's will. Knowing Dad... it will be his way and one that will be with dignity and not putting Mom through any more continued pain, suffering or worry.

Mom and Dad have BOTH endured an incredible amount of pain and suffering throughout this. We all are thankful that God has allowed us all to spend an extra amount of time with Dad and been able to say our good byes as we each have needed to. We are also thankful for the amount of Love and Prayers from everyone. No one should have to go through this alone. Mom and Dad certainly haven't been alone throughout this! Family and Friends have been a pillar of support for them and us! This means the world to all of us and we can't thank you all enough.

I'll keep updating throughout the day and again, your continued thoughts and prayers are appreciated. I can just hear Dad sayin'... "come on let's get this over with... we're Burnin' Daylight!"

Love to all, Tony

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Update on Dad... Not Good

Everyone... I've been on the phone with mom this past couple of hours... Dad has taken a turn for the worse and the pneumonia is progressing and the fluid in his lungs is increasing... the nurse practitioner is expecting him not to make it much longer.

Peggy is on her way and we've gotten in touch with Gail (she and Jugg are in Galveston, TX leaving on a 50th birthday cruise). We are still trying to reach Monnie and Lonnie.

Please pray for both Mom and Dad. As I've told mom that if God is ready to have dad come to him that it's okay to tell him we understand and to go ahead and join Him.

I'll be heading to Kansas and Oklahoma as soon as possible.

Thanks again for you continued prayers!
Tony

Steady as s(He) Goes...

Well, so far... so okay! In this case right now... no news, is good news. Dad made it out of the surgery okay this past week. Instead of removing his gall bladder, they put in a drain.

This has helped lower his fever, but he still needs to stabilize more. His temps have been around 100 - 101 but they need to come down a bit more. He has started to come around today and has been awake some. We just need to make his "give a d_mn switch" stays on high! After he get better from this he should be able to start speech therapy again! This will be a very important part of his overall recovery.

Also, a quick thanks to everyone that has had a chance to come by for a visit. This helps both mom and dad out tremendously! If you can't go by to see them, a call to mom really helps her spirits. She's been staying at the hospital now with dad for about 80 days. With just a few breaks from there, it's very hard on her, even though she won't say so... Mom's cell number is 918-397-1292. Drop her a call if you get the chance! If you can't, then email it or send it to someone she knows and have them give her a call.

Keep the prayers comin'... cause we're... "burnin' daylight!"

Love, Tony

Friday, April 17, 2009

Update... Surgery was 2day and went well...

I just got a call from Peggy. They just went ahead and operated on dad at 3:05pm. They went ahead and put a drain into his gall bladder for now. If this doesn't help, then they'll go ahead and take it completely out.

The doc said that it went very well and he is in recovery (dad... not the surgeon :-)

I'll post an update as I get new feeds from our "crack" news team in Neodesha!

That's it for now... I'm Tony... (and you're not)

Dad's Gonna Be Headed Back Into OR

The doc's have pretty much attributed his recent high fever to a gall badder problem. So he could be operated on as early as this afternoon or evening. Probably next week early at the latest. So please be thinkin' of him and mom as your prayers are needed!

On one good note, his wound area is healing nicely! Mom when back with him yesterday to wound care and it's looking really good! Way to go DAD!

I'll post an update as soon as I know something more definite on the time line!

Tony

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Havin' a Rough Week! :-(

Well, unfortunately dad is having a rough week...

He has pneumonia and back to running some high fever.

The sonogram of his gallbladder didn't reveal anything significant so they are still trying to find something that might point to why he's having problems with upset stomach and fever.

On a good note... the healing from the surgery is progressing nicely!

We will keep everyone posted and please PLEASE keep mom and dad in your prayers!

Friday, April 10, 2009

TGIGF...

Hi Y'all,

Dad's had a few good days lately and seems to be recovering from the operation nicely. We've had a little concern over some blood work done since the surgery, but they'll keep monitoring it for changes. His fever seems to be under control now and has started to gain some weight! (yeah Dad)

His brace support for his right hand finally came in to help keep his hand and fingers open. So he now has both to help.

Hope everyone has a safe and Happy Easter!

Tony

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Tuesday Brought a Good Day

Dad's fever seems to be under control for now... Mom's back with him (thanks for the break again Gail).

He's starting back to Physical Therapy again on a regular schedule and we are working on his left leg and right hand very hard. His left leg eventually will need a knee replacement and he's got to get strong enough for it eventually, so every day is important.

We're hoping to get a Speech Therapist helping him soon again. The goal would be have the staff there sick of hearing him sing Eddie Arnold songs and drive them crazy!!!! (why should we be the only ones he's bless with his crooning prowess)

All for now... Tony

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Sunday Sunday

Dad had a room full today! All the kids where there today (except me)... :-(

He was in good spirits and very alert which is always a good thing! Also another reason to celebrate today was....

GAIL's BIG 50th!!!!

And for her birthday present she is helping Mom out and staying with Dad!

Way to go Gail!!!

Dad's started some great progress on recovery from the surgery, we just need to keep helping with this! If you can drop him and mom a line, card or even better - come by for a visit!

Looking forward to posting more good news from Mom and Dad this week!

God bless!

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Hangin' in there!

Dad was running a fever today after a rough night and morning of an upset stomach... not fun for him or the nurses I'm told by Mom.

His temp has started to come down and rested most of the day.

Thanks to everyone that has joined the blog! Please go ahead and forward the link to anyone that would enjoy get an update on Dad and Moms progress...

And if you're in the area please stop in to see them, they would really appreciate seeing you!

Friday, April 3, 2009

The Warden has Returned....

It's just before 4pm and I just got mom back to the hospital here...

I'm headed back to Arkansas and am handing the keys over to mom! Hopefully she can continue to crank him til he turns over and starts hitting on all cylinders!!!

One of the nice "as-pects" of the procedure is dad get to rest on his left side and back now (not just his sides).

He's still running a bit of a fever today but the Tylenol should take care of it with the anti-biotics. He's looking really good today (finally after 80 years). He's said some words to me today and continues to show off his baby blues to the nurses (eyes... that is).

Bye for now and we'll keep everyone updated, keep the prayers coming for both mom and dad! (oh yeah, and especially the staff here)

Love, Tony

Brand New Day

Dad had a great night last night for just having gone through his "FLAP" surgery. Plenty of coughing (which is good) and plenty of rest. His dressing this morning looked great (just two small spots of red) and the area is draining correctly. Since the incision was much smaller than originally though, dad should be able to recover more quickly and be ready for swim-suit season ;-)...

Ran a slight fever and they've addressed that already. He'll need to be put on some pain management today as he will become VERY sore on his South 40! He has orders for morphine.

After today, Mom will be staying up here at the hospital for most of the month of April. She won't have much access to email, so if you need to talk to her please call her cell number.

Here is a link to the hospital dad is at. Several people have asked where he is and what it's like. Wilson Medical Center is in Neodesha, KS. As you'll see it's a brand new hospital with private rooms, which allows mom to be able to stay in the room with dad. They specialize in wound-care therapy which is the reason dad was transferred here from Bartlesville.

http://www.wilsonmedical.org/getpage.php?name=index

Please post comments or entries if you can or questions...

Thanks, Tony

Thursday, April 2, 2009

12 Bell's and All's Well...

Dad's been back for about 5 hours in the room and he's doing great...

Resting, but he's opened his eyes several times. The morphine is doing it's job.

Think I'll join Dad in sawing a few logs!!!

Love, Tony... zzzzzzzz

Hurry Up and Wait is OVER!!! Yeah DAD!!!!

5:something o'clock pm

The surgeon just came out and said that the surgery was SUCCESS!!!!

He said that Dad did "GREAT" and that it was a "perfect surgery"!!!!

They gave him a unit of blood at the beginning of the operation anticipating loss of blood during the procedure. This will help assist in the recovery process and promote faster healing.

He will stay sedated and come out of anesthesia on his own. We anticipate him back in his room sometime around 7pm.

Expected 4 week recovery for dad and that he is in an outstanding facility to accomplish this. He has been given exceptional care in the approximately 60 days he has been here!

Thanks to everyone for your prayers! Please continue to include Dad AND Mom throughout the process. The goal is to transfer dad to Pleasant Valley Manor in Sedan, KS for long term care to get him strong enough to get to eventually go back home to Bartlesville.

Tony

Finally Dad's in Surgery

Dad went back in to surgery at 3pm. Please keep the prayers comin'!!!!

Big Day in Neodesha!

April 2, 2009

Dad is going in for his "Flap" Surgery! (finally)

This will help in healing of his bed sore. It is a major procedure and will be complete under anesthesia. It should take 2 hours or longer and is a critical step in his recovery process.

His nutrition levels have improved enough to allow the surgery. Dad's strength is pretty good, as Peggy said today..."Dad's grip is so strong I can't pull my fingers out of his hands"

I'll post an update after the operation.

Here at the hospital today is:

Mom, Gail, Peggy, (me, Tony), Jeri Marie Brewster (cousin) and Bobbie Brewster (Lonnies wife)