Jack E. Brewer Sr., worked for City of Chicago 62 yrs.

Jack E. Brewer Sr., 81, a City of Chicago employee for 62-plusyears, died Friday at Michael Reese Hospital. He lived on the SouthSide.

He was administrative assistant to the chief bridge engineerwith the city's Public Works Department, Bureau of Engineering,Division of Bridges and Viaducts.

He started as a messenger clerk with the bureau and had remainedwith the bureau all his career.

"He definitely has the record" for uninterrupted employmentamong current personnel in the Department of Public Works, said Mr.Brewer's grandson, Mike Brewer, who is a toll attendant for PublicWorks on the Chicago Skyway.

Another grandson, Steven Brewer, is an auditor in the citycomptroller's office. Mr. Brewer's son Jack Jr. is a tax examinerfor the Zoning Department.

Municipal records show that Mr. Brewer started with the city onSept. 15, 1924. "He was administrative assistant to the chief bridgeengineer for as long as I can remember, for many, many years," saidKurt Tennenwald, assistant chief bridge engineer.

"He was the heart and soul of the bridge division, whether itwas in an official capacity, keeping all the records and documentsflowing, or whenever there was anyone with a personal problem. Hewould straighten it out. He knew the ins and outs. He was highlyrespected."

Mr. Brewer was a member of the Holy Name Society at St.Anselm's, St. Columbanus and St. Dorothy's churches. He was born inMemphis, Tenn., and was a 1921 graduate of Wendell Philips HighSchool.

Surviving are his wife, Doris; two sons, Jack Jr. and Charles;six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and onegreat-great-grandchild.

Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. today at the House of Branchfuneral home, 7918 S. King, and from 10 a.m. tomorrow until thecortege moves to St. Columbanus Church, 331 E. 71st, where friendsmay call from 7 p.m. until mass at 8 p.m. Burial will be at 10 a.m.Friday in Lincoln Cemetery, Worth.