Charles "Chuck" Brashears

In Memory of my beloved husband, Charles Brashears. With profound sorrow, I announce the passing of my beloved husband, Charles “Chuck” Rodger Brashears. He was 90 years old when he peacefully departed on February 19, 2025, at the Central Nebraska Veterans Home in Kearney with his loving wife by his side Chuck was born in Knoxville Tennessee on June 9, 1934. He was the first child of four born to Robert & Inez (Lee) Brashears. Due to World War II, the family moved to Baltimore Maryland for his father to instruct women how to weld on battleships. Welding was a large part of Chuck’s life. After high school Chuck joined the Army. He was a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Division and was assigned to Germany. He was very proud of his service to our county. Upon returning to the states, Chuck pursued a career in pipeline welding. While working in the pipeline business he studied the science of welding. His technical knowledge along with his practical experience of welding allowed him to work seamlessly among university professors, manufacturers of steel pipe, welding materials and equipment, and the hands-on welders. One of the highlights of his career was being a welding engineer for construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Not only did he enjoy the challenges of constructing a large pipeline in a brutal environment with 1970’s technology, he found the love of his life. He met Patricia Ruf, a metallurgical engineer, who was working on the pipeline right-of-way north of the Brooks Range. In addition to being married 44 years, they worked side-by-side in the welding and metallurgy pipeline world. As many have said, they were joined at the hip! Friends have commented “Can you imagine the most non-typical conversations at dinner time?” Chuck took great pride mentoring many young people in the world of welding. Chuck was also proud to be a 65-year member of the Pipeliners Union 798 United Association. He was a longtime member of several fraternal organizations, including Emmaus Lodge F.&A.M. of Pennsylvania, Scottish Rite Masonic Temple, Valley of Lehigh Consistory and Rajah Shriners. Chuck is survived by his wife Patricia; son, Charles Brashears Jr (Marge); daughter, Elizabeth Brashears (Kevin Orsak); nine grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren. Survivors also include many Ruf, Lee and Brashears family members and lots of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Patricia Wells; son, James Brashears; sisters, June Taylor and Betty Mastrocola; and brother, Coy Brashears. A celebration of his life is scheduled for Thursday, April 24, 2025. Services will be 10:30 in the Chapel at Central Nebraska Veterans Home in Kearney, followed by interment in the Veterans Section of the Kearney Cemetery. Chaplin Michael Koenig will be officiating. Business causal dress will be perfect. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the family for a memorial to be designated in the future, Shriners Hospital for Children or your favorite charity. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Funeral arrangements are being coordinated by O’Brien Stratmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney NE. “Remember me with smiles not tears for all the joy through all the years.” Margaret Mead

Charles "Chuck" Brashears

June 9, 1934 - February 19, 2025