Wiley L. “Dub” Brewton, Jr.

Wiley L. “W.L.” Brewton, Jr., better known as “Dub” or “Papa Dub” to his friends, family and former coworkers, passed to eternity Saturday, August 12, 2023, peacefully following a brief illness. He was 90 years old.

He was born on January 28, 1933, to Gladys Damron and W.L. Brewton, Sr., in Rose City, Texas. He was many things to many people: beloved son, brother, friend, veteran, husband, father, grandfather, coworker, volunteer.

He was drafted into the Army and served as a medic following WWII, during which time he traveled Germany and picked up the smattering of German which he used throughout the rest of his life. Especially in regard to his wife, Mary Grace Cagle Brewton (of Beaumont), who was his “Schatzi,” a German word meaning “sweetheart.” Their loving marriage lasted 65 years and produced two sons: William “Gary” Brewton (of Beaumont) and Steven “Steve” Brewton (of Cypress).

He received his bachelor’s degree from Lamar University in Chemistry, pursuing further studies at Tulane in New Orleans until he discovered impending fatherhood; at that point, the rest of his life began. Dub was a dedicated family man.

Despite his passion for learning, he immediately switched tracks from academia and began a career as a chemist in order to support his growing family. He devoted the rest of his time and effort to providing for and supporting his children, and later, his grandchildren.

Dub expressed his love through service, working tirelessly until the age of 87. He spent his early career at Texaco, first retiring to help care for his oldest granddaughter, Caroline Brewton (of Leander, daughter of Gary and his wife, Kelly), and then going on to have a second career in the tool department at Ace Hardware and Lowe’s.

In between, he volunteered at the Beaumont Community Players, where he was a founding member. He was a lifelong lover of both theater and woodworking, and he lent his skills in carpentry to set design for the Players’ productions. He also used his computer and electrical expertise to help design and run the lighting of BCP productions, as well.

There weren’t many things Dub couldn’t do. His passion for learning blossomed into a wealth of hobbies, from the aforementioned carpentry, to puzzles, to building models, to music, to painting, then to computers. He built a violin and learned to play not only it, but several other stringed instruments, traveling as far as Arkansas to pursue lessons. He loved gardening, and once boasted a Parade of Homes lawn.

But his greatest passion by far was not the cultivation of a yard of perfect grass or even theater, but his family. From playing sports and taking trips, hunting and fishing with his sons during their childhoods, he cherished his time with loved ones. When his first granddaughter Caroline was born, he picked her up every day from school, attending all of her contests and performances. As his family expanded, he was able to revel in the company of his second granddaughter, Bailey Brewton (of Dallas) and then twins Nathaniel “Nate” and Victoria “Vicky” Brewton (of Cypress, born to Steve and his then-wife Debby), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

There was no question to anyone that his family was his first priority. There was nothing he wouldn’t sacrifice to ensure their needs were met. This was as true at the end of his life as at the beginning. He will be dearly missed by them and by any lucky enough to know him.

Dub was a member of Christian Fellowship Church of Beaumont. He is preceded in death by his parents and sisters Dorothy Conner and Carolyn Conner.

A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, August 19, 2023, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Broussard’s Mortuary located at 2000 McFaddin Avenue in Beaumont, with a time beginning at 2:00 p.m. in which those who wish to share remarks may do so.

A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall at Christian Fellowship Church located at 3950 Pointe Parkway in Beaumont.