Eric Brower Obituary 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. Eric's 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. Services Visitation Monday November 11, 2024 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Printy Funeral Home 317 Main Street Warsaw, IL 62379 Funeral Service Monday November 11, 2024 12:00 PM Printy Funeral Home 317 Main Street Warsaw, IL 62379