James Brewer Sr.

BENTON, Mo. -- James E. "Eddie" Brewer Sr., 64, of Benton died Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2002, at his home after an extended illness.

He was born in Matthews, Mo., the son of Viola Mae Ditto Brewer and James Osby Brewer. He married Elizabeth Ann Higdon on June 14, 1959, in Portageville, Mo. She survives.

He was a member of the Unity Baptist Church at Benton. He was a self-employed farmer and a member of the Scott County Sheriff's Posse and Sikeston Eagles.

He also is survived by his mother of Sikeston; a daughter, Terry Brewer Cheatham of Sikeston; two sons, James E. Brewer Jr. of Mustang, Okla., and Fred Higdon of New Hamburg, Mo.; a sister, Irma Coots of Advance, Mo.; a brother, John Marion Brewer of Chattanooga, Tenn.; and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Unity Baptist Church in Benton with the Rev. Dennis Lowe officiating and the Rev. Dale Huff assisting.

Burial will be at Unity Baptist Cemetery.