Cecil Brewton, Jr.
February 17, 2016
Cecil H. Brewton, Jr. was born February 5, 1926 in Iowa City, Iowa and departed this life on February 17, 2016 in Des Moines, Iowa at the age of 90. He was the son of Cecil H. and Frances M. Brewton, Sr.
Cecil attended public schools in Iowa City, Mason City, and Des Moines and graduated from North High School in 1944. He then attended the University of Iowa in 1944, 46-48 at Drake University receiving a BSE and MSE degree. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, he worked with the youth and was an usher. Cecil played in the Greater Des Moines Band, The all Iowa Veterans Military Band, Vic Anderson’s Big Band, and The Windjammers. He served in the US Army from 1944–1946 during World War II in the South Pacific.
He was an inactive member of Kappa Alpha Psi and was inducted into the North High Alumni Hall of Fame on September 16, 1993. On December 11, 1989 Cecil married Bobbretta M. Williams.
Cecil was employed as a laborer, life guard, pool manager, and supervisor of ice skating rinks from 1946-1971. He taught swimming for the Red Cross for 25 years. Cecil was employed by the Des Moines Independent Community School District from 1969-1988 and held the following positions home school worker, Dean of Students, Counselor, and Vice Principal. During that time he coached track, swimming, tennis, and football. Cecil retired from the District in 1988 and went to work at Grand View College as an adjunct in the Education Department, and taught African American Studies at East High School from 1995-1996.
Cecil leaves his loving wife, Bobbretta; and his six adult children, Cecil H. Brewton III of Des Moines, Charles G. Brewton of Dallas, Texas, and Joyce R. Brewton/Taylor of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Frederick E. Brewton, William C. Brewton, Janine Kay Minter of Des Moines, Iowa, and Ayana Vigil Williams; and 12 grandchildren; brother, William Brewton; and several other family members and friends.
Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 2 to 5 p.m., Saturday, March 19, 2016 at Corinthian Baptist Church, 814 School Street in Des Moines.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Arts & Music Program at St. John’s Lutheran Church where Cecil was a member for 42 years.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
R Papian
04/05/2016
Thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Wanda E. Woods Everage
03/19/2016
Cecil Brewton, Jr., Jerry Conley, and Tom Drake were my administrative support team when I first started teaching in the Des Moines Schools at Washington Irving Junior High. Cecil was always encouraging, funny, and fair. He has impacted the lives of many and will be remembered for his tenacity and generosity. Bobbretta, Cecil, Connie, and the entire family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Peggy Gassberry-Jenkins
03/18/2016
Keeping your families in prayer.
Gary Sheldon
03/15/2016
I have been blessed to have had as a friend Cecil Brewton Jr. My wife and I will keep the Brewton family in our prayers.
Denise Behling
03/10/2016
Dear Cecil and Connie--
My sincerest condolences to you on the passing of your father.
Claradell Shedd
03/03/2016
My forever friend, Cecil! Our friendship goes back at least 65 years when Cecil and I would enjoy ice skating together at Birdland Lagoon. We communicated until the end, either by phone or computer. We created his military webpage: http://www.nhwallofhonor.com/pages/textbrewtoncecilhillardjr1944.html. His 1944 North High class page: http://www.ndmhs.com/pages/yearclass1944(2009.65).html. Enjoy your Kindle in the Kingdom! (No upgrades will be necessary).
Your grateful ice skating partner...
Claradell Gergely Shedd,
North High Class of 1953
and your co-inductee in the North High Hall of Fame
Roxanne and Kelly Evans
03/02/2016
Kelly and I both have very fond memories, going back to our childhoods, of Cecil. Family: he was quite a gem. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May he rest in peace.
The Evans in Austin, Texas
Jill Prati
02/28/2016
My parents lived across the street from the Brewton's. I remember him as a kind man with a sunny smile and a wonderful sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
evelyn davis
02/27/2016
We will miss his smile and greeting at St.John's Lutheran Church.
kay fisher
02/27/2016
I met Cecil in the waiting room at Mercy's speech therapy..I looked forward to and enjoyed visiting with him. I am sorry for your loss...he was a very nice and interesting man.
Harry J Taylor Family
02/27/2016
To Bobbretta and family...
Mr. Brewton's community involvement and friendship will always be remembered by our family.
Gene Cutler
02/27/2016
So long old friend...It's been a long trail since North High and 1944. Always admired you and your talents and appreciated your friendship over these many years. We shared many lunches talking about things spiritual and musical and the changes in life as the years passed by - everything from the good Lord to Louie and Ella. So to you, a true gentleman, thanks for the memories.
paularissman@gmail.com
02/27/2016
Cecil and I graduated from North High together we Hve been active in the alumni. Cec taught me to use the computer and we anjoyed lits of times with our North High friendwe will miss him
paula rissman kmy name
Linda (Stanfield) Hennings
02/27/2016
To my friend Cecil III and your family: I am so sorry for the loss of your father. You and I were classmates clear through our high school years, and I can see your face in your father's. I know you are so proud of your Dad, as he was such an amazing man who touched so many lives. My prayers go out to you and your family. I know how thankful you are for all the wonderful memories.
Judy Larson
02/27/2016
Some years ago I sat by Cecil at a memorial service for a mutual dear friend and about half way through he leaned toward me and said something like "This service needs livening up." So I know Cecil's service will be a "lively" celebration filled with love, laughter, joy, and music .(A retired teacher}