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
Kim Kroll-Ballinger
02/22/2016
When I hear the name Mr. Brewton I automatically smile. Seeing him at GrandView and seeing his smile at St. John's just made my week! Thank you for sharing him with us!! My sympathy to his family! God Bless
Mary Clark Butts
02/22/2016
To the Brewton Family, you have my deepest condolences. Mr. Brewton, was loved by many of his former students. What good times and memories, that were made, at Washington Irving. Those memories that I will always treasure. My God keep and bless you all.
Hawkeye Elks Lodge 160
02/21/2016
To the family of Cecil Brewton our prayers are with you.
From The Officers and Members of Hawkeye Elks 160
Lynn Milligan Safris
02/21/2016
Cecil was the supervisor of the ice skating rink located in the northwest corner of Glendale Cemetery when I was growing up. My friends and I spent every waking moment at the rink and adored him. If it was too cold to skate or no one else had arrived yet, we could always sit in the warming house and have a conversation with Cecil, or help him shovel the rink on snowy days. Year after I looked forward to seeing him as soon as the weather was cold enough to start skating again. One year, we must have had rain right before he started filling/spraying the rink and getting it ready for the season. The rainwater pooled in a stand of trees just beyond the warming house and away from the rink. We talked Cecil into spraying more water in there to make smooth trails for some of us to skate through the trees. It was so cool. He was all about making sure we were always safe, but having a great time...and we did! RIP, Cecil!
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Deb McMahon
02/21/2016
Cecil was one of my all time favorite administrators in DMPS! My favorite story is when I took Billy to the office for refusing to follow instructions. Cecil asked him what was the matter. Billy said, "I'm mad!" Cecil then said, "Those are the same clothes you can get glad in!" I adored Cecil! He was just the best! My sincere condolences to the family. I will keep you in my prayers.
Kris Mesicek Anderson
02/21/2016
Deepest sympathies to the Brewton Family. Cecil gave so much to the Des Moines Public Schools and the community. His legacy lives on.
SALISTER O'DAYE
02/21/2016
Dear Brewton family, my deepest condolences to the lost of your dad, Cecil Brewton Junior. Goods Park wouldn't have been Good Park without Mr. Brewton. Thank you for teaching me how to swim and keeping me out of trouble at Irving Junior High. My deepest sympathy may he rest in peace.
Cecilia Thompson Collier
02/21/2016
Cecil was an institution in Des Moines and a friend, mentor and guardian of every child who swam, skated and played at Good Park. He was committed to bring a positive role model for generations of young people in the DM School system and in the community. He will no doubt be missed by all his family but his friends and community have lost a dear man. My deepest sympathy to Bobbye and all the Brewton kids and offspring. May he rest peacefully in Heaven
Roberta Randall
02/21/2016
Dear Brewton family-
My deepest sympathy for your loss but may memory serve you well. Rejoice in his passing into another life. Love the memory and find comfort.
Sincerely your friend.
Kelly Sprague
02/21/2016
I spent many days in his office at Harding! He was an awesome principal. He helped me through it all! May he rest in peace.
Jacqui Day
02/21/2016
Mr. Brewton was one of the best school admins I ever had. He always had a smile, and thanks to him we were 11-year-olds with the best handshakes in Iowa.
He will be remembered.
Craig and Joanne Pollock
02/20/2016
We first met Cecil when he was an usher at St. John's Lutheran Church in the early 1980's. He always had a warm smile, a friendly greeting and made sure to let us know if he "missed seeing you" on a Sunday because we decided to play hooky the prior week! To this day, thinking of him brings a smile to our faces. Our prayers are with you Bobbretta and all the Brewton family. We know that God is holding you in the palm of his hand.
Ginger Miller Rawley & Von Rawley
02/20/2016
We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family of Cecil Brewton, Jr. No kinder man has ever lived. Cecil was a huge part of the lives of the youth of Des Moines. I feel blessed to have known him.
Theresa Williams
02/20/2016
Sending prayers to the Brewton family.
Jerry Conley
02/20/2016
I am so blessed to have had Cecil as a good friends for many years. He will be missed by the many people whose lives he enriched. Our prayers are with Bobbie, Cecill, Joyce, Chuck, Fred, Bill and Janine.
Rest in peace my good friend and remember TacoTuesday.