Al "Hinky" Brewer

Albert “Hinky" Arthur Brewer, Jr., age 93, passed away Tuesday, June 27, 2023.

Al was born in Des Moines on November 22, 1929, to Albert Sr. and Marietta (Miller) Brewer. Known to all who loved him as “Hinky”, he was a lifelong resident of the Des Moines area and a proud Eastsider. He graduated from East High School in Des Moines.

He proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War as a Munitions Specialist where he received numerous military awards.

On October 22, 1955, he married Delores (Morrow) Brewer.

After a 4-year apprenticeship as a member-barber at Sharp’s Barbershop, in 1956, he struck out on his own and opened Al’s Barber Shop. He taught and mentored 5 young barbers: Maurice Perkins, Tommy Fowler, Harlan Thomas, LaMar Henry, and Ron McClain. Ron remained at his side until Hinky’s retirement on September 26, 1990.

He was a member of Corinthian Baptist Church, the Roadrunners Bowling Guild, and the Royal Dukes.

He leaves to cherish his memory daughter, Deb Brewer-Cotlar; grandsons, Zachary Ryan Brewer and Zac (Sara) Couture; great-grandchildren, Oliver, Frederic, and Emma; goddaughter, Stephanie Williams; sisters, Betty Seidah Green, Beverly (Rev. Darryl) Spence, Jr., and Robyn Brewer; nieces, Sherry Lee Brewer and Denise Lumpkin; nephews, Keith Perry, Randy (Bernadette) Connell, and David (Sherry) Lumpkin; and his other nieces, nephews, cousins, and loving friends. Hinky had a lifelong close relationship with cousins, Rhoda Mae Stroud, Jennifer “Ginger” Rawley, Char Williams, Pam Lewis, and David Brewer.

Al was preceded in death by his wife, Delores; parents, Albert Sr. and Marietta Miller-Ayers; sister, Norma Jean Perry; and son-in-law, Larry Cotlar.

A visitation will be held at Corinthian Baptist Church on July 13, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. During the viewing, there will be a brief memorial ceremony conducted by members of The Links, Inc.

A closed casket service will begin at 12:00 p.m. at Corinthian Baptist Church, where memorial remembrances will be given by The Des Moines Roadrunners and The Royal Dukes. The service will be livestreamed courtesy of Corinthian Baptist Church.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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