Richard B. "Dick" Brubaker, 87, of Kewanee, formerly of Litchfield, died Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, at 4:30 p.m. at his home.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Dec. 28, at Zion Lutheran Church in Kewanee with the Rev. Mara Ahles-Iverson officiating. Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee was in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Brubaker was born July 19, 1932, in Litchfield, the son of Clyde and Helen (Costello) Brubaker. He married Ruth A. Meyers on Aug. 24, 1952, in Litchfield, and she preceded him in death on May 18, 2011.
He was a graduate of Litchfield High School and from the University of Arizona in 1954. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Chanute Air Force Base in Champaign County for two years, obtaining the rank of First Lieutenant.
Mr. Brubaker was the owner and operator of Dick Brubaker Chevrolet from 1963 to 1984, when he merged with Grebner Motors and retired from there in 1993.
A member of Zion Lutheran Church, he had been on the board of directors at Union Federal Savings and Loan and the Kewanee Public Library. He was also a senior member of the Men's Coffee Club and chairman of the Widow and Widowers Club.
An avid fisherman and craftsman, he enjoyed fishing at Lake of the Ozarks and doing woodworking projects, especially making wooden toys.
He is survived by his son, Richard (husband Bobbie) of Houston, TX; daughter, Amy (Mike) Simpkins of Denton, TX; brother, Jake Brubaker of Rockford; three grandchildren, John (Nichole) Cernovich, Adam (Angie) Cernovich and Caitlin (John) Milmo; nine great-grandchildren, George, Jacob, Josie, Camden, Gavin, Chloe, Bryce, Evelyn and Mason; sister-in-law, Dorothy, who he considered to be his only sister; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and husband, he was preceded in death by four brothers.
Memorials may be made to Beacon of Hope Hospice or to any hospice of the donor's choice.
Online condolences may be left at www.ruxfuneralhome.com.
