In Memoriam: Carl Lester Bruer Sr. (d. May 25, 2026 )

Black By God honors the memory of Carl Lester Bruer Sr. Carl lived a life rich in purpose, grounded in his West Virginian roots. As a retired professional from the Bayer in Institute, Carl was part of the very backbone of his community. He will be remembered not just for the work of his hands, but for the warmth of his heart, his steady presence, and the quiet dignity he brought into every room he entered.

Carl was born December 15, 1947 in Charleston, WV. Carl was a 1966 graduate of South Charleston High school and retired from Bayer in Institute. He passed on May 25, 2026 at his home in Conroe, Texas. He was the son of Pete & Cecilia Alice Bruer. He leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Gladine Pannell Bruer. And three children: James Michael Bruer, Carl L. Bruer II, and Denitra L. Bruer. Grandchildren: Carl III, D’Andre, Avery, Tyler, Caiden, and Carmela Bruer and Naomi Robinson. Brother: Jack Bruer of South Charleston, WV. Deceased brother: Jim (Pete) Bruer. Deceased sisters: Mabel Harris, Adelle White, Betty Brown. Brothers-in-law: Jim (JP) Pannell and Walter (Cookie) Pannell of Charleston, WV, and Dwayne Brown and Tyrone Broden of Detroit, MI. Sisters-in-law: Candi Margaret Bruer of Charleston, WV, Leona (Cat) Pannell Herbert, Ruby Brown and Shelby Pannell of Detroit, MI. And a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Let the wind lift me on to my Freedom Journey. There will be no funeral service. There will be a message from Carl to his West Virginia friends and family by the Reverend James Bump Mosley, on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at Carl’s home church, First Missionary Baptist Church Vandalia, Charleston, WV.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Originally published by Charleston Gazette-Mail on Jun. 2, 2026.