of Coal Hill, AR
February 9, 1921 - June 25, 2014
Joe Brasel, 93, of Coal Hill, died June 25, 2014. He was born February 9, 1921, in Newton Co., Arkansas, to the late Richard and Zona Brasel. He served in Battery E, 60th Coastal Artillery, U.S. Army, from September 6, 1940 until June 29, 1946. He was captured by the Japanese on May 6, 1942 on Corregidor, and was held as a prisoner of the Japanese until the end of World War II. He spent time in a prison camp in Manila, Philippines, Northern Luzon Island and in the brutal Mukden prison camp, in Northern Manchuria near the Russian Border. When he was liberated from the Manchurian camp he weighed only 75 pound. For his service to his country he was awarded a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, POW Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Philippine Defense Medal, and a Presidential Unit Citation.
Mr. Brasel is preceded in death by his wife, Margaret (Carr) Brasel; five brothers, Lloyd Brasel, Glen Brasel, Bill Brasel, Guy Brasel, and Walter Brasel; three sisters, Jessie Hudson, Velma James and Helen Matlock; and three infant siblings. He is survived by a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
There will be a committal service, with full military honors, at 1:00 p.m., Monday, June 30, 2014, at Fort Smith National Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Roller-Cox Funeral Home (479) 754-2201. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneral homes.com
Yesterday a great American and I am proud to say an elder member of my family passed away. My grandpa's youngest brother, Joe Brasel passed away after a very long and colorful life. Although we lived many miles apart and our visits were limited, I will always remember him. I hope he's having a great time in Heaven with all the family. Rest in peace Joe. I love you.
An american hero passed away today, a member of what many people have deemed the greatest generation, and i am proud to say a member of my family. i wish i could have met you, and heard some of the amazing tales from your long and eventful life. Rest in Peace.
I am so proud to be Joe's niece. He was not only a hero to our nation but he was a hero to our family.
I will always remember his sense of humor and his contagious smile. He could always come up with something to make you laugh.
As I look at his picture accompanying his obituary, I not only see Joe but I see his strong resemblance to my father, Loyd Brasel. It brings me comfort to know that they are all enjoying being together once again in heaven. Oh the laughs they must be sharing.
Rest in peace Joe. Until we meet again.
I love you.
I am so glad he was my Great Uncle. He was my hero and will be missed.
Joe made a great sacrifice in serving his country. We appreciate that service and sacrifice in protecting our freedoms. He also served his community in Coal Hill. He will be missed when we get together for family reunions..
I will always remember Uncle Joe for his thoughtfulness and wonderful sense of humor.
He was "bigger than life" and I am proud to be his great-niece and his namesake. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
He always made me laugh and was such an asset to my family when my dad had Leukemia. I will miss the laughter he brought to the family.
Joe was a great help to me after my car wreck. I greatly appreciated his generosity.
He was a great uncle and a great person.
Uncle Joe was "one of a knd." He will be missed.