Neville Monroe Brehm, 91, of Tulsa OK, previously of Poteau OK, passed away peacefully in his home on Dec 5, 2011. He was born in Poteau, OK, on April 4, 1920, to Homer and Jeannette (Hamilton) Brehm. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Mary Marjorie Brehm, and his daughter, Beverly Ann Hesser, of Poteau.
He is survived by his devoted wife Oma Wright Brehm, whom he married on January 12, 2007; two daughters, Susan Cowden and husband, Jarrett, of Santa Fe, NM and Mary Kay Higginbotham and husband, Keith, of Madison MS, and son-in-law, Dr. Ron Hesser and wife, Janice, of Poteau. Neville is also survived by seven grandchildren and their spouses: Jill and Matt Epperson, Katy TX; Hillary and Steven Grantham, Oklahoma City; Curtis and Katie Hesser, Bixby; Robyn and Adam Beauchamp, Enid; Dru and Daryn Bridwell, Tulsa; Cody and Piper Bridwell, Oklahoma City; and Bekky and Juan Salazar, Jenks; 14 great grandchildren include Erin Kate Epperson, Jarrett Luke Epperson, Macy Joe Beauchamp, Jackie Blaine Beauchamp, Caden Jon Bridwell, Camryn Lloyd Bridwell, Legend Carter Bridwell, Temple Price Bridwell, Elizabeth Ann Grantham, Allison Ray Grantham, Bailey Nelson Grantham, Kyle Brehm Hesser, Carlie Jean Hesser, and Kristen Ann Hesser; nephews, Greg & Donna Price, Jones, OK and Kevin & Shawna Price, Oklahoma City. Neville is also survived by his wife, Oma’s children and spouses, Richard and Sonnie Wright, McKinney TX; and Donna and Brant Doell, Tulsa OK.
Neville graduated from Oklahoma Military Academy in Claremore OK in 1937. He attended Oklahoma A and M, and OU, and then served in the US Army Air Corps in WW II, where he was stationed in India for four years. Following his discharge in 1945, he and Marjorie lived in Oklahoma City until moving to Poteau OK in 1953. He was the owner of Poteau Steam Laundry and Cleaners. The last 10 years before retiring, he headed Poteau’s Oklahoma Employment Agency. He was very active in Poteau’s community affairs and organizations. He was awarded Poteau Citizen of the Year, Poteau Junior Businessman of the Year, and served as President of the Poteau School Board, AARP, Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club (received Rotary’s highest award, the Paul Harris Fellow Award), Poteau Chamber of Commerce, and Eastern Oklahoma Historical Society. His real passion in life was always his church, First Christian Church, Poteau, where he served on most committees, and was an Elder for years. Upon his death, he was a member of Northside Christian Church in Broken Arrow OK.
Neville will long be remembered for his generosity, a friend to everyone, winning smile, his caring concern and serving spirit, and love of his family and God. Neville’s pride and joy were his three daughters, known as the “Brehm Girls”. He will forever be present in their hearts.
Memorial gifts may be made to the First Christian Church Memorial Fund, PO Box 160, Poteau, OK 74953
A “Celebration of Life” Service will be held at Northside Christian Church, 1221 North Elm Place, Broken Arrow OK on Friday, December 9th at 11:00 AM with Rev. Rob Brust and Rev. Ron Hesser officiating. Visitation will be held at Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau OK, Saturday, December 10, between the hours of 10:00 and 11:00; Interment Service at 1:00 in the Oakland Cemetery, Poteau OK, Rev. Ron Hesser officiating. Family and friends are welcome to attend.