Willie Huett Brumfield

Willie Huett Brumfield, age 90, of Saint Louis, Missouri, formerly of Freeport, Illinois, was called home on Friday, April 14, 2023. He was born March 19, 1933, in Pickens, Mississippi, to John and Rosie Lee (nee: Hill) Brumfield and attended Freeport High School.

Willie served in the United States Air Force as a military police officer, retiring in 1971 after 20 years of service. Willie enjoyed sharing stories of his travels abroad to destinations such as the Azores, Italy, and Thailand.

Willie had several professions throughout his life. He worked as a service station attendant, licensed hair stylist, radio disk jockey, a heating and cooling professional, owned and operated “Lawn Groomers”, a lawn service business. He later became employed by McDonnell Douglas (Boeing) as a security officer, where he affectionately became known as “The Guard” by friends and co-workers until his retirement in 1998.

Willie enjoyed several hobbies. He was an artist. He spent time cooking, reading, writing poetry, working crossword puzzles, watching classic western movies, and listening to blues music on YouTube; he also took pleasure in watching Kansas City Chiefs football with his son-in-law. Willie enjoyed nothing more than spending time with family, laughing and telling stories (no matter how they grew or changed over the years).

His family will remember him as stylish, funny, generous, and caring. He responded to every “I love you” with an “I love you more.” He valued hard work, honesty, and the value of one’s word. He made sure to instill in those around him a sense of fairness, belonging and love of knowledge (particularly random trivia facts).

Willie leaves to cherish his memory two daughters; Kenya Brumfield-Young (JD Young) of St. Louis, Missouri (Ethel Brumfield), and Dawn Marie Whitehead (nee: Brumfield) of Freeport, Illinois (Melvina Campbell Bryant) ; two sisters, Mamie Shipp (John Shipp) of Chicago, Illinois, and Ida Bland of Rock Island, Illinois, two grandsons Mark Anthony Whitehead of Ft. Worth, Texas and Eric John Whitehead of Freeport, Illinois, four bonus grandchildren Kawika A. Young (Katheryne Young), Imaikalani J. Young (Alexis), Leilena M. Young, all of Phoenix, AZ, and Jessica Osbourne (Donnie) . Willie also leaves to cherish the memory of his love and kindness, two great-grandchildren, several bonus great-grandchildren, and a village of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Willie is preceded in death by his wife Ethel Brumfield (nee: Carter), parents John Louis and Rosie Lee Brumfield (nee: Hill), three brothers Lloyd James Brumfield, John Louis Brumfield, Arthur Lewis Brumfield, and two nephews Dennis Brumfield, and Royce Brumfield.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Caring for Kids, St. Louis.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kriegshausermortuary.com for the Brumfield family.