Robert M. Brewer ’50

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Bob, whose predecessors established Kentucky’s first settlement, died in his native Kentucky Sept. 15, 2014.

He graduated from Princeton with honors in English. Bob played baseball, was on the polo team, sang in the Glee Club, and belonged to Ivy.

He joined the Navy after graduation. Upon completion of Officer Candidate School, Bob was assigned to a destroyer for three years that included eight months in Korea. Following active duty he continued in the Navy Reserve, retiring after 26 years as group commander of Kentucky’s 14 reserve units.

He returned to Lexington in 1954 to enter the family grain business. Following his   father’s death the next year, Bob took charge of the business, expanding it into farming, raising beef cattle, and breeding thoroughbreds. To better manage the business, he entered the University of Kentucky Law School as a part-time student, graduating and passing the bar in 1968. Bob was honored in 1983 as “Man of the Year in Service to Kentucky Agriculture.” He was a licensed pilot and steeplechase enthusiast.

Throughout his life, Bob held leadership roles in numerous civic organizations, nonprofits, and churches. He was active in the Princeton Association of Western Kentucky.

Our condolences go to Katherine, his wife of 52 years; daughters Jean and Juliet; son Robert; and three grandchildren.

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