Thinking of you buddy..miss you my man!

I am not sure you got the note in your post below about who Tony is so I am posting it on the board.

Yes, Tony passed away as shown on this site and we miss him terribly!! It appears from your post that you are from the Iowa area and in that case you know that The Brower Brothers had quite a lot of fans from that part of the country.

Thank you for asking about Tony!!

Was this Tony Brower that was once pat of a musical group called the Brower Bothers. A group of three brothers that toured in the early 1980's. One of his brothers was Ricky and I can't recall the 3rd brother's name. Their father was a minister.

PRAYERS TO ALL THE FAMILY. REMEMBER TONY IS NOT IN OUR PAST, BUT HE IS IN OUR FUTURE. HEALINGS AND BLESSING TO TONY'S MOM..THE LORD GIVES YOU STRENGTH AND BLRSS YOU WITH PEACE. GOD HEALS ALL YOUR DISEASES, TRDEEMS YOUR LIFE FROM DESTRUCTION AND RENEWS YOUR YOUTH LIKE THE EAGLES. NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD. WE WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOU IN CHRIST NAME

O love Eleanor. I am very sorry has such a grim outlook, but we neeed to remember we serve a risen savior.

The Brower Family would like for all of the friends of Tony to know where Tony's mother, Eleanor, now stands with her cancer issues. Eleanor and I have remained great friends and I am always informed of her condition.

Eleanor is now in a serious condition with the cancer and the doctors told her yesterday that they estimate she has about four months to live! The cancer is now in her brain and pain is a serious issue.

Please keep her in your prayers but keep in mind that our main concern at this point is that she not be tormented with pain during her final days here with us.

It appears that she will soon be with Tony and when she is she will be fine! I spoke to her today a couple of times and her attitude is, as always, very upbeat and talking about things related to the scriptures!

It is almost impossible for me to come here to the Message Board! I miss Tony more than anyone can know!

Jerry Brower (Tony's Dad)

Spent a little time with Rick this weekend. He looks a lot like you, has so many of your gestures, and funny ways. We shared some memories and longed to have your "well self" here with us! That last mile was torture for you, but you kept it mostly to yourself and took it like the man you were!!! We know you're happy, healthy, and enjoying being "home"!!! Love you my Tonio!

Thanks to everyone who continues to think of Tony and leave comments here! To this day I have a very hard time letting his memory into my mind.

Thanks to all of you!

Jerry Brower
Tony's Dad

Thoughts of Tony suddenly came to mind. I pulled out a disc of his music and at once I was filled with a melancoly mix of sorrow and joy for the moments that I was able to share with Tony. Just thinking of you my friend. You are missed. Craig

YOU BEEN ON MY MIND...
LIFE COMES AND GOES, BUT HAVEN IS FOREVER....SEE YOU SOON MY DEAR FRIEND

MISS YOU OLD BUDDY. JESUS CHRIST IS COMING SOON. WILL SEE YOU SOON

This will be our greatest year, 2011. I think of you Tony right now because I remember how neat it was to find out another one of the many things we had in common was that we always seemed to be drawn to the numbers with a sequence of ones. My eye always catches the clock at 1:11 and 11:11 and it did yours too. I see building 111 and 11th Street and it always makes me feel close to those special people I love and miss like you and my dad. Sidney's feet were dragging the ground at the park swingset and a dime and a penny came up from the dirt. She said 'Mimi look!! Do you realize a dime and a penny is 11 cents! All this time it has been underground and it came up just for me. I think grandpa is saying hello to me.' God I love that kid. She is so sweet and she really loved you. She drew you a picture of a cabin with you by it. You never saw it, but I gave it to Tina. She still talks of you often. Buster is the best thing that has happened to our family. Thank you for that blessing. I think there is no other dog on earth that gets as much constant attention and love and spoiling. He loves all these baby girls too. You surround us and we feel close to you every day, but this year will be the most special. Bill really felt you with him during his cancer treatment and surgery. Who would have thought that he would be next. Buster never left his side and still sticks to him like glue. Miss you!!!

He has always met my needs. I have learned the truth of Phippians 4:19
" My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Praying for the family especially this time of year. Dude go by and tell my mom and grannie hello for me.And I will see them soon.
In Christ Jesus

Tony used to come to The Fiddle and Steel when I was mixing sound for Tony Toliver. Later on I got to go to Memphis and mix a show for an artist that Tony was hired to play bass on. He was very talented and beyond that a genuinely kind person and great person to be around. I remember him paying a homeless guy to wash his truck for him when we were in Memphis. We don't know where the guy got water to wash it but afterwards it was obvious he didn't have enough clean water to rinse it off or towels to dry it. The truck was a streaked swirly mess but Tony just laughed and was glad to help the guy out. I'm sure there's a lot more stories like this of his giving nature but this one stands out in my head. I Miss Ya Tony

I miss you my Brother!

He that dwelleth in the secret please of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say unto the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him I will trust.

Till we meet again.

Cowbay

MISS YOU . YOUR MUSIC IS STILL TOUCHING PEOPLES HEARTS AND LEADING THEM TO THE LORD. GODD BLESS YA BROTHER.IT GIVES ME COMFORT TO KNOW YOUR WALKING ON THE STREETS OF GOLD.
SINGING TO THE LORD
COWBOY

Was wondering if anyone could tell us how Jerry is doing? Been thinking about him and would love to hear how both he and Tina are. I miss Tony and think about him so often. His talent, kindness, bravery and sense of humor will live in our hearts forever. Rest in peace, Tony. You will never be forgotten.

Patsy

Hey dude, tell Jesus I said HELLO and I'll see you all soon. Even though I only meet you 5 or 6 times your still with me, bro. We would have been best of friends and rode into the sun set together. Gayle and I still talk about the time we meet you atLakewood Church.
Your something else buddy. And now your singing to the Lord. What a stage, audience to be singing to. We do miss you. Tell my mommy and grannie hello for me. Happy trails to you. Cowboy

I've missed you every day since we said good bye on that snowy night in '86. But I'm sure we'll see each other again one day soon. I hope we'll be just as good of friends in heaven as we were here. I've really missed you J.A.!
Love always, Juli

Happy birthday, dear Tony! You are part of the best party ever, the one God throws for us if we are faithful. We FTs miss you here--your smile, your music, your bravery--but we know you are in the best place and having a beautiful time.

It's been a year, and hardly a day goes by that I don't think of you. Your voice, your smile, your big bear hugs and "I love you Aunt Joyce" are such sweet memories. Didn't get to be with you near enough, but
those memories are still fresh in my mind's eye. That scrawny, long legged little boy I lugged around on my hip turned into a fine handsome man. I love you babe.

Tony I'll always think of you on this date. Miss you much buddy.

TONY WE ALL MISS YOU, BUT YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. YOU HAVE LEFT A LEGACY OF TRUTH, LOVE AND THE AMERICAN WAY. HEY DIDN'T SUPERMAN DO THAT. YOU ARE A SUPERMAN. I CAN JUST IMAGINE THE JOY OF YOUR LOVED ONES WHO PASSED BEFORE YOU HAVING A CELEBRATING IN HAVEN. I KNOW YOU PLEASE THE LORD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER. AFTER ALL HE GAVE YOU MUSIC TO PRAISE HIM. YOUR MUSIC IS STILL HEALING AND HELPING PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD. YOU ARE A LEGION.
JERRY TAKE CARE OF YOUR SELF. LISTEN TO YOUR HEART. PRAISE THE LORD, O MY SOUL, AND FORGET NOT ALL HIS BENEFITS-WHO FORGIVES ALL YOUR SINS AND HEALS ALL YOUR DISEASES. TINA, THE GIRLS AND ALL OF TONY'S FRIENDS, THANKS FOR SHARING TONY WITH US. COWBOY

Oh Jerry! I am so, so sorry to read this. I have wondered about you and Tina so much. I will be praying for you and please take care. This just re-affirms what I already knew about the fragility of life. Goodness...do take care and keep us informed.

Patsy

Good to see people posting again. Praise God you are okay Jerry. Rest and heal up.

My husband, Bill was just diagnosed with cancer. He is undergoing radiation and chemo for 7 weeks, then will have a radical neck dissection, then another go round of radiation and chemo. He has head and neck cancer.

The day Bill was diagnosed, we could hear Tony saying "Saddle up cowboy, it is gonna be a tough ride, but we can do this thing together". With Tony's dog Buster in Bill's lap and by his side every day, the snow covered mountaintops and horses running across the snow, we can feel Tony's spirit every day. God Bless him and the way he could just make anyone feel better with his comforting words and that big smile :)

If you would like to join Bill's journey, join us at www.caringbridge.org/visit/billrutledge

Jerry, I am so sorry to hear you have been ill. I'm sure the stress of the last few years has been a contributing factor, but I am also pleased to know you are doing better. Apparently God wanted to spend a bit more "alone time" with Tony before sharing him with you. We can surely understand why, as they must have much to discuss. Do take care, my friend, and know that I am still praying for heart's ease for all of you.

Sarah

Sarah!
Thanks to you and Patsy and all of the other wonderful friends of Tony. It is always good to come to his site and see such wonderful comments about my son.

Just to bring everyone up a bit on myself I need to let everyone know that I am recovering from two heart attacks since Christmas. I had the first one in my Doctor's office and they rushed me to the hospital in Jackson, MS where I was informed that I almost did not make it.

I suffered some very serious damage to my heart but my doctors are some of the best in the world and it looks like i will recover. After placing a stent in my heart they sent me home to recover. About five days later I had another heart attack in the middle of the night and was rushed back to the hospital where they went back in to see what had happened to the original surgery. The first stent had not deployed quite properly and had formed a small blood clot causing the second heart attack. This one did not cause any additional damage to my heart and just required another stent which was placed in with the first one. They kept me two days in intensive care and one additional day in a regular hospital room and sent me home to recover.

That is where I am now and seem to be doing very well. Apparently, I almost saw Tony! Keep me in your prayers as I continue to heal from the damage done to my heart.

Thanks once again to all of you!
Jerry Brower (Tony's Dad)

Jerry, Tina, and girls,

Apparently Patsy and I have been thinking alike and in a similar time frame. It truly would be good to be able to read an update on all of you. Please know you are still in the thoughts and prayers of many.

Sarah

Jerry and Tina, Just thinking about you and wondering how you're doing. I know you miss Tony. Would be good to hear from you.

Patsy

Jerry
how sad to come to Tony's site to see how he was doing and see he passed. I will never forget Tony. He was a light in my life and a lot others I am sure his music was a gift and Jimmy Fortune singing it was a bigger gift. Again I am so sorry for your loss and his familys loss. Mandy

I attended a Jimmy Fortune concert and just fell in love with a couple of Tony's songs. I came here to the web looking for how to obtain sheet music, not realizing he is now in heaven. What a lovely gift he had.

Sarah,
Thanks for your note about Jimmy! Your love for Tony and his music has always been noticed by Tony's family.

Jimmy and Tony were like brothers and often wrote together. Jimmy Fortune, in our opinion, is one of the finest artist in the industry. Everyone can read comments about Tony by Jimmy and other major artists and musicians (before Tony's death) can be seen on the main page of this site.

I remember times when all of us, along with other stars of the music business, sat around on the floor at Jimmy's home and listened to new material by him that had not been released yet. He is truly an awesome writer and singer.

Tony loved him dearly!

Jerry Brower (Tony's Dad)

It is good to read all the comments about Tony here. He is truly missed, by me and many others, I am sure. I would surely like to see more of his works performed.

TO JIM who posted a couple messages ago: Jimmy Fortune is the former tenor with the Statler Brothers who continued a solo career after they retired in 2002. He recorded several of Tony's songs. Check out jimmyfortune.com or jimmyfortune.org. The music is available there along with a discussion board and wonderful folks who all miss Tony dearly.

Thank you for your notes about Tony and his music. His legacy lives on and your comments are appreciated so much.

Jerry Brower (Tony's Dad)

I heard on a local Southern Gospel radio station one day, the most moving, beautiful and powerful song I believe I've ever heard. I am 63yrs. old, born again, and have been around Southern Gospel and religious music all my life so I'm no newby and that song just grabbed me and touched me like no other. I began to research it and found it was sung by someone named Jimmy Fortune and through further research I found it was written by a Tony Brower, and then, upon further research discovered this blessed and gifted song writer had passed away. What a tragic, tragic loss this has been to the Southern Gospel music scene and I can't imagine what it must be like for his loved ones and friends. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

I think it would be neat if we left stories about our times and memories of Tony on here. Anyone got a good story on Tony?

I remember one time traveling, I think it was in Illinois, we found an Irish Setter lost in a parking lot in the city. It kept following us and hanging around. Tony wanted to keep it. No room for a big ole dog in the airstream. Just couldn't talk them into it. He always had a big heart for all God's little critters.

I am so sad to here the news of Tony's passing.I met the Browers and Howard Duck when I went to church at Brandon Tabernacle. I haven't seen them in a very long time, but have thought of them many times over the years. My thoughts and Prayers are with all of his family. Lots of Love and Prayers.

I miss my friend with his sparkly eyes and his grin from ear to ear. I miss "Hey Buddy!!" I miss his positive attitude that could always lift me up and the funnies that could always make me smile. The bear hugs and good conversation. But.... I still hear his voice from time to time. I think to myself, "I know exactly what Tony would say". I see things I know he would like to be right there looking at and I do things that I know he'd love to be there for the ride. So, Partner, I feel your spirit with me and I heard you singing 'A Place called Hope' in my dreams last night. I know your daughters and Sidney too, they think of you all the time. You are loved and will never leave us.

Tony made such a profound contribution to this world that I still think about him often and want all of his family and friends to know that he will live on forever in his music and my heart.

Hey Anna I miss your Daddio too. I think of him often. You see those bumper stickers WWJD, but I often think in certain situations "What Would Tony Brower Do?" as he always had the right answer to most any problem or situation. I wish my brain could solve problems and find the right words like he did. You have the best Dad in the world living within you. His soul will always be with us.

Hey ya'll Julie mentioned Katie Brower's blog in her last post and it is certainly a site to bookmark. The link to copy/paste in your browser is http://katebrower.blogspot.com and she is a phenomenal writer. Be sure to read her post "Hey Pistol" which she wrote about her dad. Check it out and you can "Follow" her, see the "Follow" link on the right side, which will help her get sponsors. Katie has blossomed into a great writer and is certainly following in her father's footsteps in writing talent. Check it out.

For all of Tony's friends & relatives that really knew him and appreciated his writing talent ... our youngest daughter, Kate, who is 18, has Tony's gift of writing AND THEN SOME. She has a blog ... katebrower.blogspot.com and today's blog is about Tony ... thought you might appreciate. We miss you Tony and everyday around here is a struggle with one or both of our daughters. I always promised you that I'll take care of them and keep them safe ... I will forever do that!

Anna, I know you're heart must ache sometimes, and you miss those wonderful hugs and I love you's. I come here occasionally myself just to feel closer to him. I know he loved his girls so much...you were always in his conversations because he was so very proud of you and Katy.. his greatest work of art!

I MISS YOU DADDIO. NOT THAT YOURE READING THIS WEBPAGE. IM SURE THERE'S FAR COOLER STUFF TO DO WHERE YOU ARE. I LOVE YOU!!!!

I am so so shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of my good old buddy Tony. I was searching for him on facebook and with no luck decided to Google him. We had stayed in touch of and on over the years, but it had been a while since I had talked to him. My love and prayers to all the family. Ricky and/or Eddie, if you read this please get in touch with me. I would love to talk to you again.

Howie
813-752-4131

MY HEART IS STEAD FAST, O GOD: I WILL SING, I WILL SING PRAISES, EVEN WITH MY SOUL. AWAKE, HARP, AND LYRE; I WILL AWAKEN THE DAWN! I WILL GIVE THANKS TO YOU. AND I WILL SING PRAISES TO YOU AMONG THE NATIONS. FOR YOUR LOVING KINDNESS IS GREAT ABOVE THE HEAVENS.

TONY YOU ARE NOW SINGING TO ALL THE WORLD AND TO OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, WHO CREATED YOY AND LOVES YOU. WE REJOYICE IN SHARING THE GOOD NEWS WITH YOU.
YOU WILL ALWAYS BE WITH US. YOU ARE A PART OF OUR HEART. WE PRAY FOR THE FAMILY AND ASK SPEIAL BLESSINGS TO BE UPON THEM. YOUR LEGACY LIVES ON. I'M PROUD TO CALL YOU FRIEND.
COWBOYsyVvKk

I sure do miss Tony, but, I know that he is in a better place, free of pain and suffering.

Rest in Peace, Tony.

Patsy
Phil 4:13

Time is said to be the great healer. In time the pain of our loss may lessen, but there will always be an emptiness that won't quite go away.

There is an empty place in the world where a Real Man once walked. Tony wrote and sang from his heart and he lived and loved with all his heart.

Those of us who knew him were truly blessed.

Ken and Connie

In watching the replay of Lonesome Dove it can't but remind me of how similar the character of "Gus" is to Tony especially in his "sayings" from time to time. This is an epitome of Tony portrayed in this movie. I shed many tears watching this thinking of Tony. I miss you my friend.