John Brazzil

Graveside services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 in Dreamland Cemetery with Rev. Gene Jones, associate pastor of First Baptist Church, officiating. John Brazzil, age 94, formerly of Canyon, Texas and who recently resided in McKinney, Texas passed away on Thursday, October 9, 2014. He was born in Flat, Texas on February 2, 1920. John was valedictorian of his high school graduating class and in 1948 he received his Bachelor of Science degree in agronomy from Texas A & M University. He was married to Estelle LeNormand on September27, 1948 in Liberty, Texas. John entered the U.S. Navy as a volunteer during WWII and attended boot camp in San Diego. He was assigned to a destroyer and was the Gunner's Mate 2nd class from 1942-1945. Mr. Brazzil started work in the extension service in 1948 for Ellis County. He served as County Extension Agent for 25 years in Randall County from 1951-1976 when he retired. He worked with local farmers, city gardeners and the youth of the county through 4-H clubs. He helped rural residents with improved methods of growing crops using irrigation. He also had a major role in organization of a soil conservation district in the county. He was a leader in the 4-H organization and helped with the livestock shows, electric camp, and lead recreational games. He received the Distinguished service award from the National County Agricultural Agents Association. He was a member of The Canyon Chamber of Commerce, The Randall County Farm Bureau, and the Randall County Junior Livestock Association. He had a passion for his family, trout fishing, camping and hunting. John and his wife Estelle loved to square dance and were members of a square dance club. He also would teach the 6th graders at Canyon schools how to square dance. He is survived by his daughter and her husband Steve and Connie Gilbert of Prosper, Texas. Two granddaughters, Tracie Reiter and her husband Matthew Reiter of Frisco, Tx, Laurie Stuteville and her husband Jared Stuteville of Keller Tx. He was known as PaPa John to his 4 great-grandchildren, Blake, Brayden and Baily Reiter of Frisco Tx and Levi Stuteville of Keller Texas. He is also survived by his sister Bobbie Geiselbrecht of Flat, Texas. He was preceded in death by his wife Estelle Brazzil on Jaunary 22, 2011. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Salvation Army.