Melvin “Dick” James Brewer, Sr. was born on November 10, 1936 at home in Sharp’s Corner, SD to Robert Brewer, Sr. and Bessie (Janis) Brewer. Melvin made his journey to the Spirit World on October 17, 2024 at his home near Pine Ridge, SD.
Melvin grew up in the Porcupine area and attended grade school at #13 in Porcupine and also attended Holy Rosary Mission and OCHS. Melvin enlisted in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged on April 1, 1957. Melvin received his Bachelors Degree in Counseling from the Denver Metro Community College. Melvin was a skilled welder, licensed barber, substance abuse counselor, a mentor to many, and a dedicated father.
Melvin is survived by his sons, Melvin Brewer, Jr. and Charles “Chuck” Brewer; daughter, Lisa Agurre; sisters-in-law, Alice “Babe” Brewer and Arlene Brewer; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchild, nieces, and nephews.
Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Brewer, Sr. and Bessie (Janis) Brewer; one infant daughter; brothers, Phillip Brewer, Sr., Paul Brewer, Ben Brewer, Francis Brewer, Vincent Brewer, Sr., William Brewer, Sr., Robert Brewer, Sr., Ernie Brewer, and Leon Brewer; sisters, Elizabeth Roubideaux, Pearl White Face, Katherine Pourier, and Madeline Clifford; paternal grandparents, Louis Brewer and Fannie (Twiss) Thunder Hawk; maternal grandparents, Ben Janis and Suzanne Richards; grandson, James Joseph Brewer; granddaughter, Anna Maria Brewer; and great grandson, Nicholas Bryan Brewer.
Pallbearers will be Rico Brewer, Vince Brewer, Jr., John Brewer, Bart Brewer, Shorty Brewer, Scott Brewer, Pat Powers, and Duane “Ahta” Morgan.
Honorary pallbearers will be George “Speck” Wilson, Melvin “Tuffy” Sierra, Basil Brave Heart, Dale McGaa, Frank “Boob” Siers, Gertie Twiss, Poker Joe Merrival, Lou Tyon, Sr., Frank Murdock, Warren Pourier, Baptiste “Bat” Pourier, Brewer Family, Twiss Family, Janis Family, Richards Family, Thunder Hawk Family, All Nieces & Nephews, Friends of Sobriety, Pine Ridge Thorpe Family and Red Cloud Family, and all Friends & Relatives.
Wake Services: One night wake service starting at 3:00 PM, Thursday, October 24, 2024 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pine Ridge, SD with evening services starting at 6:00 PM with Military Roll Call to follow.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 AM, Friday, October 25, 2024 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pine Ridge, SD with a meal to follow.
Officiating: Father Peter Klink, S.J. and Deacon Bill White
Traditional Lakota Services: Doug Patton
Burial Services: St. Paul’s Catholic Cemetery, Porcupine, SD