Burl W. Brawley Sr.

Burl W. Brawley Sr., 74, of Great Falls, passed away the afternoon of September 24, 2021. Burl was born on August 25, 1947, in St. Louis, MO to Everett and Lousie Brawley. He was the youngest of four children. He was raised in St. Louis and lived there until he joined the Air Force in 1966. He went to basic training in Texas and was stationed in Great Falls at Malmstrom Air Force Base. It was in Great Falls where he met the love of his life, Jackie. They were soon married in November of 1967 in St. Louis. They spent 51 beautiful years together until Jackie’s passing in September of 2019. Burl spent 4 years in the Air Force, including 1 year in one of his favorite places, Seward, AK. He shared many memories of his time spent there. After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, Burl and Jackie then moved back to Great Falls, MT in 1970 where they spent the rest of their lives. It was in Great Falls where they started their family. Burl was most proud of his life as a father and grandfather. He spent years working as a construction laborer until a back injury led him back to school to pursue a career in business management in the restaurant industry. During his career as a business manager, he was well liked and respected by his employees. After retirement, Burl became more involved with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) to try to help his fellow Vets. He rose through the chairs to become commander of DAV Chapter 2, Great Falls. During his leadership, he was able to procure grants for new vehicles to transport Veterans to medical appointments at Fort Harrison. One of his other accomplishments with the DAV was the installation of a new flagpole at the Highland Cemetery Veterans burial grounds. He took great pride in helping his fellow Veterans. Burl had many hobbies, but cars and trucks, especially classics, were his favorites. He was always looking for new projects to piece together. Burl instilled this passion in his boys, ensuring that they will always know how to spend any spare change. He also enjoyed time outdoors with his family camping, hunting, and fishing. His favorite place to enjoy the outdoors with his family was Willow Creek Reservoir. He passed this love of all hobbies down to kids and grandkids. He also passed the love of baseball and the St. Louis Cardinals down to his family. Most importantly, he was a family man. Burl worked his whole life to happily provide for his family. He always made sure to be there for his kids and grandkids when it was important to them, no matter how big or small. Burl was a very generous and giving person. He was loved and admired by anyone lucky enough to know him, and he will be greatly missed by all. Burl is survived by his brother, Leon Brawley; daughter, Melissa Brawley; sons, Burl Brawley Jr. and Blake (Bailey) Brawley; grandchildren, Evelyn, Everett, and Evan; brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Sharry DeMuth; brother-in-law, Ron Demuth; sister-in-law; Patty Getts; sister-in-law, Shirley Brawley; beloved Irish Setter, Dolly; and numerous other family members.He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Louise; sister, Janet; brother, Doug; father in law, Richard; mother in law, Delores and his beloved wife of 51 years, Jackie. A service in his memory with military honors will take place at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel on Friday, October 1, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. There will be a reception to follow at Schnider Funeral Home. In his final selfless act, Burl asks in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the DAV, Chapter 2, Great Falls in his memory.