Cecil Brewton, Jr.
February 17, 2016
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Service Details
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
Jesse and Venessa Macro
02/26/2016
When we first starting attending St. John's Lutheran church in 1999, Cecil was one of those warm welcoming faces that helped us to decide to make St. John's our church home. He always greeted us and stopped to talk -- making us feel like long lost friends. Our sympathies are with his family, may you find peace and comfort in recalling fondly a life well lived.
Larry & Betty Martindale
02/24/2016
Dear Bobbretta/Cecil III/Charles/
Joyce/Frederick/William/Janine and
Ayana:
It was with much saddness that Betty and I learned of the passing of Cecil while we were traveling. Everyone loved Cecil and we all have some wonderful memories of Cecil and your loving family. Cecil and I worked the recreation program at Irving and later I was Cecil's night watchman and then his assistant pool manager at Good Park Pool. Those were wonderful challenging years. We continued working together during our careers within the DMPS and often sat together at various meetings and workshops. Everyone held Cecil in high regard and he always made you feel like you counted as a person. Cecil never forgot his roots and he made a difference in the lives of so many people. I also enjoyed seeing and visiting with Cecil Thursday mornings at Golden Kiwansis. We know that Cecil is no longer suffering and is now in heaven smiling down upon us all. My God continue to be with each of you during the days that lie ahead.
Donna Grandfield Rewaj Britt
02/24/2016
I was saddened to hear of Mr. Brewton's passing. My father, Ron Grandfield, taught Physical Education with Mr. Brewton at Washington Irving Junior High. Dad had the utmost respect and was honored to call him a friend! They were examples of quality educators and role models! Dad had many stories of their time spent together! You're all in my thoughts and prayers! God Bless You All!
Laverne Williams
02/23/2016
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. Cecil and I were very good friends and shared many good times together: camping, fishing, boating and music. I used to water ski a lot while he drove the boat; but he neglected to ever teach me how to swim. Rest in peace, my friend.
Joe Ferguson
02/23/2016
Cecil was my boss for two summers, 1964 and 1965, at Good Park Pool. He taught a kid fresh out of high school a whole lot about this country and how to treat people as well. I've never forgotten him nor his children.
Pamela LeClaire
02/23/2016
I don't think he ever knew how much I depended on his presence each day when I was in junior high. He will be missed.
Amy Bunten
02/23/2016
Mr. Brewton was a wonderful joy-filled man and the love in his heart and music in his soul were felt by all he encountered. I am privileged to have known him as student at Merrill. Bless him and his family!
Kathryn Bolin
02/23/2016
Mr. Brewton changed my life when I was in 7 th grade. I was in a terrible emotional place transitioning to a new school with serious problems at home. He helped me and was always there when I needed to talk, even when I didn't know that was what I needed. Mr. Brewton was my hero. I have thought about him often over the years and hoped he was well and happy. Peace to his family.
Marg Powell
02/22/2016
My memories of Cecil go back to when I was a youngster who loved to go to the park, that being Good Park. Because Mr. Brewton was in charge, my strict parents could trust their three kids to frequent the park daily during the summer. Cecil would look after all of the kids, making sure we were safe and walking the straight and narrow. He knew us all on a first name basis and he knew our parents as well. As I reflect back over those years, I wish I had thanked him for his service to the community. My thoughts and prayers are with you, the Brewton Family, at this time or sadness.
Michael & Andra Collier-Clark
02/22/2016
To All of the Brewton Family,
We send our condolences to you during this time of home going. Mr. Brewton as we all know was a wonderful mentor, example, stern and heartfelt man that helped to shape thousands of young children, men and women throughout his entire life whether it was a Good Park or in Education. His wonderful sons and daughters are shinning examples of his life. Andra and I have had the pleasure of knowing the entire Brewton Family all of our lives and the memories will never be forgotten. He will rest in peace because of all the goodness that he has done in his life. To all the Brewtons thank you for sharing him with us. We love you.
Michael and Andra Collier-Clark
Shirley Corkhill
02/22/2016
No one could belt out jazz on an alto saxophone like Cecil could! There was not a single child he ever refused to try to help. His influences are lasting. There are many people walking this earth who are grateful for having known Cecil's wisdom.
May his many memories sustain his family, his loved ones, and his friends. God Speed, Cecil!
Christy Cronin
02/22/2016
Mr. Brewton was one of my favorite teachers when I went to Phillips. First time I ever used a computer was in his class. He was a great man and roll model.
Angela Fie
02/22/2016
To Bobretta and the whole Brewton family, my deepest of condolences.
I first had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Brewton 40 years ago as a 7th grader at Merrill Jr. High. He was a prince of kindness, compassion and intelligence! When I heard of his passing this morning, the first thing my mind went to was his wonderful and genuine smile with a heart of gold that shone through as the light pouring through his eyes! His incredible presence strolling through the hallways between classes set such a tone of strength through warmth, dignity and respect. When years later, I became a high school teacher, I aspired to model those wonderful qualities with which Mr. Brewton inbued through his content of character. What an amazing role model he was for so many of us young people, no matter the color of our skin, through the years! May God bless his journey beyond and your whole family!
Vicki Shepherd
02/22/2016
The Hall of Fame Committee would like to extend our sincerest condolences to Cecil's family. Some of us knew him personally, and some of us through others, but it is a sad day to lose a person so well liked and loved by so many.
Steve Jacobsen
02/22/2016
I had the pleasure of knowing Cecil through the Scottish Rite. We performed together in the 22nd degree until he "retired' a few years ago. After he was no longer participating, he was greatly missed by all the degree team members. I will remember him as one of the "classiest" gentlemen I have had the pleasure of knowing.