Robert "Butch" Brasel

Robert W. (Butch) Brasel, 64, lost his earthly battle on November 20, 2022 surrounded by his loved ones. The devoted husband, father and grandfather was a Murphysboro native in birth through death and a staple of the Red Devil family.

Butch was born on October 2, 1958 in Carbondale to James and Peggy (Hale) Brasel. Butch married Cheryl Kay Johnson on July 11, 1981 at 1st Baptist Church of Murphysboro. He is welcomed to the Lord by his parents, James and Peggy Brasel.

Along with his beloved wife and earthly soulmate, Cheryl; Mr. Brasel is survived by his children, Charlie and wife Ashley Brasel, Jennibeth and husband Daniel Tow, and his grandchildren, Aidan Brasel (18), Macey Tow (11), and Jackson Tow (8). He leaves behind a very special, lifelong and cherished friend, Kevin Bost.

Mr. Brasel was a member of MTHS 1976 graduating class. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s from Southern Illinois University. Butch was an educator in District #186 for 23 years. He worked beside the most admirable educators who are so influential and caring and always shared many fond memories of them. Butch was a long-time friend to many and wouldn’t leave an opportunity to share a funny, quirky or valued story.

Mr. Brasel coached hundreds of athletes over three decades and relished in the joy they brought him. His revered career in baseball started with the origins of MBI with the Razorbacks. Many years were spent within the chain links there until his own children started school ball. Butch was named head coach of Red Devils Varsity Baseball from 2010-11 and 2014-15. His 2012 team achieved the schools record for most wins in a single season (26) and his 2013 team won the IHSA 2A Regional title. Butch was a dominant figure within the American Legion Post 186 for 16 years. His 2005 team brought home the state title for the 1st time in Murphysboro Legion history. He retired from coaching baseball in 2019 as his eldest grandchild’s head coach of Dinger travel ball but remained a key figure around the fields and in the gyms all over Southern Illinois looking forward to doing the same with his younger two grandchildren.

Coach Brasel was instrumental in positively influencing countless young men’s lives not only on the baseball field, but also in the classroom and in life. Many of his former baseball players, former students and their families remain close personal friends. Many calls from colleagues, coaches, former broadcasters, players, students, and community members would be weekly occurrences. The STL Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys text threads with his fellow and former coaches, friends and teachers were his favorite.

Funeral services for Butch will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale with Pastor Danny Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Hagler Cemetery in Pomona. Visitation will be Monday from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at the funeral home.

For those that cannot attend the funeral service on Tuesday it will be live streamed on the funeral home’s website, www.meredithfh.com.

Memorials may be made in Butch’s memory to his wife Cheryl.

To leave a story or memory of Butch visit www.meredithfh.com