Obituary for George Leon Brewer

Leon graduated from McPherson High School in 1955. Following high school, Leon served in the United States Navy for four years. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Leon received a Bachelor’s Degree from McPherson College and a Master’s Degree from the University of Kansas.

In 1961 he was united in marriage to Gretchen Ann Smith in McPherson, to whom he was married 52 years. To this union three children were born; Eric, Sarah and Tad. Leon was blessed with six grandchildren. In 1963 they moved to Olathe where Leon accepted a teaching position in the Olathe School District. Later Leon was principal at several Olathe schools, most notably Rolling Ridge from 1972-1988 and Heritage from 1988-1998. He was named Kansas Elementary Principal of the Year in 1993 and was named National Distinguished Principal in 1994. After retiring Leon was active as a volunteer for the Olathe School District.

Through the years, Leon was active in various organizations including Grace United Methodist Church, Olathe Public Schools Foundation, Olathe Public Schools Retired Employees Association, Kansas Association of Elementary School Principals, various clubs and social activities.

Leon was preceded in death by his wife Gretchen (Smith) Brewer, father George Brewer, mother Alice (Rounds) Brewer, and brother Nathan Brewer. He is survived by his children Eric (Jerri) Brewer, Spring Hill, KS, Sarah (Dennis) Osborn, Chanute, KS, Tad (Heather) Brewer , Spearfish, SD, grandchildren Taylor Brewer, Sophie and Jackson Osborn, Jacob, Logan and Griffin Brewer, sister Madine Andes, brother Don Brewer, and many nieces and nephews.

Leon was a kindhearted, fun-loving man. All who knew him would describe him as funny, caring, supportive and strong. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He will be missed dearly.

Visitation will be Friday January 24, 5-7 pm at Grace United Methodist Church, Olathe. Memorial Service will be Saturday, January 25 at 1 pm at Grace United Methodist Church, Olathe. It was Leon’s wish that people attending the visitation and memorial service wear Jayhawk attire or red and blue.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorials to Grace United Methodist Church or Olathe Public Schools Retired Employees Association Scholarship Fund.