Carl Gene Brassell

Carl Gene Brassell, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2025, at St. Joseph Hospital in Bryan, Texas. Born on November 8, 1945, in Houston, Texas, he was the only child of Carl and Georgia (Westmoreland) Brassell.

Carl’s early years in Houston shaped his deep love for animals. He fondly recalled visits to his maternal grandparents, William “Cap” and Maude Floyd Westmoreland, in Madisonville, where he forged lasting memories. His love for animals was further ignited in high school when he showed the Grand Champion Turkey at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

After graduating from Lamar High School in 1965, Carl volunteered for the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. As a combat infantryman in the 3rd Marine Division, Corporal Brassell served with distinction on the front lines in 1966-67. His sacrifices were honored with the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Purple Heart.

Following his honorable discharge, Carl returned to Houston, where he attended Sam Houston State University and graduated in 1971. Carl spent many years as an Agriculture teacher in the Houston area.

In 1984, Carl earned his master’s degree and became a Licensed Professional Counselor, a career transition that allowed him to spend more time with his two sons. Moving back to Madisonville in 1987, he married Sara Baker and gained two daughters. Together, Carl and Sara shared nearly 40 years of love and adventure. Carl said one of the reasons he married Sara was because she had never been anywhere or done anything. To expand her horizons, he immediately bought a property in Vail, Colorado for family vacations.

Carl cherished growing relationships with his sons and daughters. With his family’s encouragement, Carl embraced a renewed faith as an active member of Midway Church of Christ, where two of his children were baptized.

In 1999, Carl retired from the Windham School District. Carl and Sara shared many hobbies in retirement, including cutting horses, playing tennis, boating, dove/duck hunting, fishing, and riding in the Salt Grass Trail Ride for ten years. Devotedly caring for both mothers in their home until they passed away, Carl and Sara then moved to Tiki Island for five years relishing life by the sea.

In 2010, Carl and Sara returned to their property in Midway, Texas. Carl was known for preparing large, hearty feasts for family gatherings. His faith remained a cornerstone of his life, and he became a devoted member of the First Baptist Church in Madisonville.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Georgia Brassell.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sara Brassell; his children, Mark Brassell (Jenny), Matt Brassell (Janet), Marcella Klein, and Dorothy Walters (Travis); his ten grandchildren, Vance Brassell (Hannah), Corinne Brassell, Avery Brassell, Addison Brassell, Sara Klein, Daniel Klein, Emma Klein, Carlie Walters, Mollie Walters, and Ellie Walters; as well as a great-grandchild on the way, Brooks Brassell. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

A private memorial service and interment will be held for the family at a later date, officiated by son-in-law, Colonel Travis Walters.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Carl’s name to the Son-Shine Outreach Center. Donations can be made online at https://sonshinectr.org or sent to 1680 Hwy 75 N, Madisonville, Texas 77864.

Final arrangements for Carl Brassell are under the compassionate care and direction of Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas.