Eric Collins Brower, 45, of Hamilton, passed away Wednesday, August 14, 2024, in
Warsaw.
Eric Collins Brower, born May 26, 1979, in Quincy, Illinois, passed away at the age of
45.  Eric was a kind, gentle soul who loved animals, lending a helping hand, and
perfecting his craft as a master carpenter. 
 
Eric grew up in Hamilton Illinois where he graduated from high school in May 1997. He
took several courses at Southeastern Community College where he further realized his
passion for carpentry and devoted himself to mastering the craft.  As a young boy, Eric
was full of life; he loved climbing trees, riding his battery powered truck, and later taking
over the Yamaha PW50 his brother rebuilt for him. He entertained his family with
impressions of " Uptown Girl" and "Maneater" being particular favorites. 
 
A devoted Boy Scout, Eric was always ready to lend a helping hand and formed deep
connections to animals, particularly his beloved dogs Sampson and Nieka. His love for
animals lasted throughout his life, as did his gentle open- minded nature. Eric accepted
others as they were and never passed judgment, always eager to engage with anyone
who needed friends.
 
At the age of 15, Eric began working at Lake Cooper Millworks, where he spent his
entire career until March 2024, with a brief break to live with his brother Jason in Dallas,
Texas, where he craved the taste of the city life but missed his work back in Illinois. His
coworkers and family remember him for his incredible work ethic and dedication to
detail, whether in carpentry or in everyday life decisions. He thoroughly researched
everything, from new tools to mastering recipes, and was always excited to learn
something new, including perfecting his sous vide cooking or trying new recipes.
 
Eric was a man of quiet strength, finding joy in early morning walks with his dogs and
simple pleasures in life. He lived independently in his home in Hamilton but was always
just a phone call away for his family. He will be deeply missed.
 
Eric is survived by his parents Tom and Juanita ( Neat) Collins  Brower of Hamilton,
Illinois; his older brother Jason Brower of Prosper, Texas; his aunt Trudy and uncle Kay
Pierce of Kingwood , Texas; his aunt Mary Ann and uncle Jim Trozzo of West Plaines,
Missouri; his uncle Raymond Sackman of Marion Illinois; his step aunts Geraldine Reed
of Geneva Illinois, Kathy Pacey of Woodridge, Illinois, Chrissy Boesch of Montgomery, 
Illinois and step uncles David Boesch of  Elgin Illinois, and Scott Krolik of Las Vegas
Nevada.
 

He is preceded in death by maternal grandparents Mildred and Kenneth Collins; his
paternal grandparents Lois and Lenny Brower; his step grandfather Henry Boesch; his
aunt and step uncle Kate and Terry Coffey; his great aunts Mildred and Neva Collins;
and his aunt and step uncle Connie and David Dunne.
 
Erics childhood smile and laughter, cooperative and gentle spirit, love for animals and
passion for carpentry will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Printy Funeral Home in Warsaw at 12:00 PM on
Monday, November 11, 2024, with burial to follow in Oakland Cemetery in Warsaw.
Family will meet friends from 10:00 AM until time of services at the funeral home on
Monday. Printy Funeral Home of Warsaw is in charge of arrangements.