William Charles (Chuck) Brazeal, 33, son of Clyde Lewis Brazeal and Avas Marie (Switzer) Brazeal, was born March 16, 1936 in Thayer, and departed this life Feb. 4, 2021 at the age of 84 years, 10 months and 19 days. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, and sadly by his loving wife, Dorothy, on Jan. 24, 2014. During his marriage of nearly 59 years the two were blessed with three children. Chuck is survived by his daughter Mindy Cordier and husband, Dan, of Bruner; his son Richard and wife, Mel, of Springfield; and son Russ and wife, Ronna, of Mansfield; four grandchildren, Tim Brazeal and wife, Rochelle, and Tom Brazeal and fiancé, Kelsey Becker, all of Mansfield; Will Brazeal and wife, Alexandra, of Republic; and Ashley Deckard and husband, Steven, of Hartville; six great-grandchildren, Bayli, Hoyt, and Eli Brazeal; Marilyn and Samuel Brazeal; and Kayden Decker; his extended family, Preston Goss, Jennifer (Jones) Christian, Jeremy Jones and their families; and Evelyn Campbell and Elliot Diggs; along with a few remaining relatives and many, many, friends. He was an active member of Mansfield Masonic Lodge No. 543 and a past secretary of that lodge. Illustrious Brother Chuck Brazeal was honored beyond his “wildest dream” when he was made a 33rd Degree Mason in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. He worked hard for the Valley of Joplin in support of their work to assist children with speech and hearing difficulties. He helped establish the Ridge Runners Scottish Rite Club in this area and opened new doors for many of his Masonic Brothers that were seeking more light in the craft. His grandfather, also a devoted and active Mason, had told his grandson at a young age that he should be a Master Mason one day, but only distinguished people like “President’s” ever obtained the 33rd degree. Chuck was humbled by the memory of that conversation and had a tear in his eye every time he put on the “White Hat.” He was also an Abou Ben Adhem Shriner, where he became a Hospital Dad helping children in need, but he also greatly enjoyed being a long-time member and Captain of the TR3 parade unit. Chuck delighted many children during parades all over the area with his co-pilot puppet “Gomer.” His smile was the only one bigger than those in the crowds and it is still a mystery to many how he was able to fit his long legs into his little red Triumph. He was also a member of the American Legion and Lions Club and several other organizations throughout his life. He was a Cub Scout Leader early on where he first learned that he could stand up and speak in front of a crowd of people without shaking. He always said that the Scouts helped him more than he could have ever helped them. Chuck enjoyed trips with his friends involving a “little fishing” while visiting places that included the remote lakes of Canada, the Gulf of Mexico, the hidden brooks of Colorado and Alaska, the White River in Arkansas and always the waters of the Bryant and Gasconade. He was born in the middle of the depression and raised in rural Oregon County, outside of Thayer. The values taught during those early years when people had very little shaped Chuck’s ability to make the best out of what you did have and always work to make things better. In his teens, the family moved to Springfield when his father became ill. His early passing made Chuck the man of the house at age 15. As his mother worked in the medical field caring for others, Chuck always found a way to put a few extra “coins” in their pockets by bailing hay and building and repairing equipment in the Springfield area using many of the skills that his father and granddad had taught him on the farm. Until the last year of his life, Chuck would still jump on his tractor, bulldozer, or any other piece of equipment available and “push around a little dirt.” He loved to “tinker” with things and hated to see anything to go waste. He leaves behind a few cans of used nails and screws in his shop that could be used “someday.” He was a skilled woodworker and welder and he loved to remodel and build things, but sometimes he would just relax in the shop to “make sawdust” or “heat and beat a little steel.” Chuck graduated Central High School in the Class of 1954 and then entered the Army, where he continued to weld and operate heavy equipment as he proudly served his country. After leaving the Army, Chuck began working for Hutchens Industries in Springfield. There he started in production as a welder, moved to Research and Development, and then Field Service and Claims. Chuck helped develop and built the first “tin-tandems” and “sliding subframes” produced by the company. In 1969 the family moved to Mansfield, where he was charged with building “Mans-Steel,” a new production facility for the company. During the many years that Chuck served as the VP of Manufacturing for Hutchens, another new plant was built at Seymour as the company continued to grow to become a key supplier to the transportation industry worldwide. It was said that Chuck always made it a point to know and listen to everyone that worked in the plants and there are numerous stories about the help that he provided for so many. He retired after nearly fifty years with the company. Chuck was committed to helping people and building the communities that he worked and lived in, but he always preferred to do so out of the spotlight. He was involved in many projects that brought infrastructure to the towns that included development of the industrial parks, a new Tri-County hospital and clinic for the area, the first public swimming pool, expansion of technology support for the schools, development of the community center and Top-of-the-Ozarks Shooting range, and many, many more. To avoid risking the welfare of his many friends, there will be no visitation. Chuck always said that life wasn’t about him. He will rest with his wife Dorothy at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, where there will be a military ceremony and celebration of life at a date yet be determined. If anyone desires to make a donation in remembrance of Chuck Brazeal, the Mansfield Masonic Lodge, A.A.S.R Valley of Joplin Rite Care for Speech and Hearing, or the Wright County Children’s Home would be honored recipients. Donations can be made through the Holman-Howe Funeral home in Mansfield. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Staffs at Ravenwood Assisted Living and Integrity Hospice. Thank you all for making this past year of Chuck’s life as good as possible during some incredibly difficult times. Chuck was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, a very caring member of the community and a friend who was always willing to help others. Without question, he was a role model and teacher. We celebrate his life and accomplishments and will always remember the “tall skinny guy with the deep voice” and the special times we had together.
