Cecil J. Brackman

Cecil J. Brackman, 97, of Staunton, IL, passed away Friday, May 19, 2023, at his residence in Staunton, IL with family by his side. Born February 15, 1926 in Bunker Hill, IL, he was a son of the late William Frederick and Carrie (Fletcher) Brackman. He married Viola Davison on February 14, 1948, in Staunton, IL and she survives. He served in the United States Navy during World War II in The Pacific Theatre on the U.S.S. Randall. He worked as a Mixer in the Primer Department at Olin Corp in East Alton, IL for 38 years and was a member of the Machinist Union Local #660.

Cecil belonged to the Assembly Church in Staunton since 1948, serving as Treasurer, Sunday School teacher, usher, musician, and handyman. He read the Bible over 140 times writing copious notes on his understanding of the scriptures.

Cecil planted a huge garden every year with tomatoes, green beans, corn and various other vegetables and fruits. For 69 years he grew strawberries, picking over 1000 quarts a summer, selling them to Mayfield’s Market in the early years, as well as individuals until 2018, when he finally started slowing down.

After his God and his family, Cecil’s greatest love was gospel bluegrass music. He participated in many local bluegrass and gospel groups through the years, playing the guitar, mandolin, harmonica, Hawaiian guitar, and violin. He also participated in a nursing home ministry utilizing  his musical talents.  After retiring, Cecil and Vi would spend two or three winter months a year in the Texas Rio Grand Valley participating in many music jam sessions.

He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Viola Brackman of Staunton, IL; 3 children, Sue Goodson of Staunton, IL, Dennis (Barb) Brackman of Staunton, IL, and Dwight (Kathy) Brackman of Staunton, IL; 8 grandchildren, Eric Goodson of St. Louis, MO, Amy (Carl) Zuhl of Schereville, IN, Abby Brackman of Glen Carbon, IL, Emily (Harry) Paul of Staunton, IL, Adam (Emily) Brackman of St. Louis, MO, Carrie (Ian) Fenton of Mt. Olive, IL, Bethany (Nathan) Kokorudz of Wood River, IL, Aaron (LeAmber) Brackman of Jefferson, GA; 15 great grandchildren, Henry, Atticus, and Silas Paul, Jessica Goodson Feldman, Jacob Goodson, Cole, Carter, Cruz, and Cash Fenton, Caleb, Gavin, Owen, and Baylor Brackman, Everly and Everett Kokorudz; 2 great-great grandchildren, Patrick and Presley Feldman.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by 5 siblings, William Brackman, Charles Brackman, Rose Greer Robinson, Laura Partridge, and Louis Wesley Brackman.

Friends may call from 10 AM to 12 noon on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at The Assembly Church in Staunton. Funeral services will follow at 12 noon at The Assembly Church in Staunton with Reverend Art Braden officiating. The burial will be held at Tine Sawyer Cemetery near Staunton. Memorials are suggested to The Assembly Church of Staunton or Tine Sawyer Cemetery.

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