Danny Brawley

DANNY M. BRAWLEY

ST. LOUIS — Danny M. Brawley, 73, of Granite City, Illinois, passed away at 12:35 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, at Christian Hospital in St. Louis.

He was born Oct. 17, 1942, in St. Louis, a son of the late Floyd E. (Bud) and Rita Brawley.

Danny was an amazing man. He married the love of his life, Julia Beatty, on Feb. 29, 1964 (leap year). She says he was, "The best looking guy I ever saw, the strongest, most loving, giving person I ever knew." He was a greatly admired generous man who cared about everybody, a leader, and a great storyteller.

He worked all his life. In high school he did various farm work and worked concessions at the park district, then worked at American Car Refinery with his grandfather. He spent most of his career in management at Sears, retired, did further retail management, then started his own home-inspection company and worked for nearly 20 more years.

He graduated from Granite City High School in the January class of 1961. In high school, he played first chair bass clarinet, wrestled, and was a member of ROCA. He then attended Southern Illinois University. He lived in Granite City, Alton, Bethalto, Glendale Heights, Danville, Carbondale and O'Fallon, all in Illinois, and Ankeny, Iowa, then moved back home to Granite City in 2002.

He loved to travel, loved history, and deeply valued his children's formal and informal education. He enjoyed weekly breakfasts with his former classmates over the past several years. He was a big St. Louis Cardinals fan.

He is survived by his wife Julia Brawley (nee Beatty), daughters Danna Thompson, Edwardsville, Illinois, and Diana Brawley Sussman, Murphysboro, Illinois, sons-in-law Scott Thompson and R.J. Sussman, grandchildren Peter Sussman, of Carbondale, Illinois, Emily and Elizabeth Thompson, of Edwardsville, Illinois, brothers Jim, Sam, Buddy (Floyd) and John Brawley, sisters Mary Riggs (nee Brawley) and Bonnie (Sue) Brawley all of Granite City, as well as many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Kenneth, Craig and Ricky.

In celebration of his life, a memorial visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until time of memorial service at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road, in Granite City.

Reverend Chet Cantrell and Chaplain Matthew Cowman officiating. Memorials may be made to the Brawley family and may be accepted at the funeral home. Visit www.irwinchapel.com.