Edwin Lee Brinkman's Obituary
Edwin Lee Brinkman, age 89, beloved husband of Jean, nee Buschman. Dear father of Sharon Grabo (Joseph), Ruth Dunn (Richard), and Donna Elrick (Gregory). Dear grandfather of Andrea, Lucas, Emily, Clara, Joseph, Charlotte and Scott. Great Grandfather of ten. Great-Great Grandfather to-be near his 90th birthday. Son of the late Ruby, nee Gray, and Edward J. Brinkman, both of Brook Park. Loving brother of Eunice Boguski (Steve), Velda Brinkman, and Edna Thomason (Jack). A brother, Robert, died in 1943.
He was born in Brook Park Village on August 17, 1934. He started work at the age of ten, delivering newspapers for the Cleveland News, near the Cleveland Airport. At the age of thirteen, he worked full and part time as a service station attendant in Brook Park. During high school, he worked in Lakewood – also at a Sohio Station. After graduating from Berea High School, he was employed with Clifton Concrete as a concrete mixer driver. In 1959, he became a customer serviceman for Clifton, and later, in 1975, he became their sales manager. In 1980, he was promoted to General Manager, then to Vice-President in 1985. He retired in 1989 at the age of 54.
A collector and devotee of antique cars, trucks and literature, he owned and drove several rare and unusual vehicles, including a 1924 Graham Brother truck, a 1933 La Salle, and his 1951 Mercury that he purchased in 1953. He also enjoyed bicycling, riding several hundred miles every year and woodworking. He continued his avocation from his high school days, sign painting. He lettered hundreds of trucks, including all of Clifton Concrete's mixers.
He was the Great-Great-Great-grandson of John Gray, who was the last surviving soldier of the Revolutionary War. Mr. Gray died at the age of 104, and after the war, he became a constant companion of George Washington, working for him at Mount Vernon. Grayton Road in Brook Park and Cleveland was named after John's family. Edwin's mother was the former Ruby Gray, who was born and raised on the homestead on Grayton Road.
He will be dearly missed.
A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, January 28, 2024, from 3-5:00 PM at Sunset Memorial Chapel, 6245 Columbia Road, North Olmsted, Ohio 44070.
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