News
Updated January 4, 2020
Remembering Tom Brewer K5MET/SK
July 26, 1943 – December 14, 2019
After serving presidents from Ronald Reagan through Barack Obama, after serving in most Olympics since Atlanta, after celebrating 50 years of marriage, after locking the gun safe and turning off the ham radios, Tom has decided to rest.
He had a long struggle with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases and left us at the age of 76. His last days were spent with the loves of his life, Clint, the son who made him so proud and Becky, a loving wife, who were so honored to care for him. He was also blessed to spend many hours with wonderful family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Hubert Joseph and Thelma Inez Pirtle Brewer, his sister Denise Jackson, sister-in-law Janis Gentry Williams and father-in-law James Carthel Gentry.
Tom had a gifted wit and sense of humor that kept everyone belly laughing. He always had a joke or story that you’d probably already heard but got funnier every time because of new embellishments each time it was told.
He was a friend on whom you could depend. One said, “It is rare to keep friends for a lifetime,” but he did. Another said, “He changed my life forever.” Other phrases came up like, “loaned me money because my need was greater than his,” “bought a tire when I had a blowout,” “came and got me when my mother died,” “bailed out my repossessed vehicle,” and “let me live with him at a difficult time.” He did those things because he loved, had a kind heart and learned from friends who had done similar things for him. Thank you, friends. He will be missed by so many who loved him.
Tom was a man of strong, quiet faith. He loved the Lord and his church family. He was extremely pleased to serve numerous charities in our area.
He is survived by Rebecca D. and Clint Brewer, a sister Del Gearhart, brother Alan Brewer along with cousins, nieces, nephews and many, many friends.
Instead of a formal service, there will be a “come and go” at his home, 2405 Meadow Creek in Carrollton on Saturday, January 18th from 2 to 4. Please come and share the stories that he shared with you.
Becky and Clint want to thank all who have visited, called, texted, brought food, flowers and so many other displays of comfort. A special thank you to Ameristar and Vitas Hospices who so kindly cared for Tom.
Donations can be made to Metrocrest Amateur Radio Society, 12895 Josey Ln., Ste. 124-449, Dallas, TX 75234, Alzheimer’s Association or Parkinson’s Foundation.
Please send your memories and photos to webmaster@KB5A.org.
Tom was a lifelong friend who has been a teacher and mentor—from rolling the VFO on his T-Shirt 820s at the lake house to getting my own for Christmas—he has been with my radio journey. He visited me in the hospital after multiple eye surgeries. And he treated me like a son; he was an extension of my family. Our many talks about radio and business lead to my own radio business, and then to own my own lakeside house. My deepest gratitude for his mentorship and patience from my childhood to my adult years. He will be sorely missed.
—73 Robert Webster, KF5CZR
My condolences for the group & Tom’s family today. Tom was one of the very first people to welcome me after I joined the group in 2010 and served as Treasurer for a year. He was always so happy and bubbly and never missed talking to me at our meetings. He was a wonderful person and will truly be missed by many.
—Chelsea L. Burnett
What a guy! Always friendly and so helpful. Still remember my first contact with him after moving to Carrollton from Plano in December of 2004 and checking into the local 21 repeater: “Hello K5TCP, welcome to Carrollton, I am Tom, K5MET, Kilo Five Monkeys, Elephants & Tigers, hope to see you at a MARS meeting soon.”
—RIP 73 de Thorsten Prutz, K5TCP
Tom will be deeply missed. Truly sorry to read of his passing. Blue Skies and Tailwinds my friend.
—Patrick Ware, WI5J
Tom was one of the first people we talked to when we visited the club. Always friendly and willing to share his knowledge. Our condolences to the many friends and family.
—73 Nancy Nelson, AD5VA and Chris Nelson, WA5TT
RIP Tom Brewer Monkeys, Elephants and Tigers.
—Bill Wright, KD5YYK
RIP Tom. You were a great man, mentor, and ham radio supporter. You will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to Becky and Clint.
—J.J. Henry, N5IMS
Tom will truly be missed. He was a very smart man with a good sense of humor! RIP Tom.
—Devon Wroblewski, K5KDA
Tom and I were longtime friends, many years, way back to circa 1970. He and I served in the Texas Air National Guard in Garland in the 221st Radio Relay Squadron. My son Patrick worked for Tom at Brewer Communications after he left Belar Communications. RIP Tom.
—Dale Finley, KB5NFT
Prayers sent! Gonna miss ya Tom.
—73 Randy Bradshaw, KE5LZE
Tom enjoyed assigning alternate phonetics to call signs. When I got my license, he dubbed me “King of France.” Many thanks, Tom, for your friendship and this excellent nickname.
—73 Andy Parcel, KE5KOF
Tom was a real credit to Amateur Radio, and to the 2-way communication industry. Condolences to the family. Tom will be sorely missed.
—Bill Abernathy, K5WGA
Tom with Robert Webster KF5CZR. | Tom and a fellow ham at Hams & Eggs pondering a vacuum tube. | (L-R) Glen Warnstaff K5CPD, Ed DeCanniere W9NCR, Tom, Lee Cheever W5IG/SK, at the “Old Timers” meeting in 2015. |
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Tom holding court with the “Old Timers” while Ed DeCanniere W9NCR, looks on. | Tom and Becky at the 2017 Christmas Party. | Tom won a coveted Baofeng at the 2017 Christmas Party. |
Tom with Laura Sugg KG5QHW, a relatively-new ham, in 2017. | Tom and Bill Krueger AE5BK/SK loading a replacement antenna for our 2-meter repeater in 2015. | Tom with his son Clint Brewer KB5LYK, and Becky at the 2018 Christmas Party. |
Tom and his family celebrate his birthday in 2018. |