John W. Brazle, 73, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Sunday morning, July 2, 2017 at Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita.

Born January 1, 1944 in Winfield, Kansas, he was the son of Clarence T. and Helen E. (Radcliff) Brazle. He was raised and received his education in Dexter, graduating from Dexter High School in 1961. After high school, he attended Cowley County Community College for a semester before attending World Wide College of Auctioneering in Mason City, Iowa. He then returned to live in Dexter and went to work at the Wichita Stock Yard. While working at the Stock Yard, he joined the National Guard and in 1966, was called to active duty and stationed in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In 1968, John received an honorable discharge and returned to Dexter once more.

In 1966, John married Leta Fresh. To this union, two children were born. The couple later divorced. In the late 1960's, John partnered with Ed Durbin and the two ran the Winfield Livestock Auction. In 1978, John became the sole owner of Winfield Livestock Auction. In 1990 he was proud to have his son Justin join him and he continued operating the sale barn for over 45 years. In addition to the Winfield Livestock Auction, he also worked as an auctioneer at the sale barns in Moline, Kansas, Joplin, Missouri, Texhoma, Oklahoma and numerous other locations. He was united in marriage to Diane Rahenkamp on April 7, 2016 at Avon Park, Florida. The couple made their home in Winfield.

John attended First United Methodist Church in Winfield and was a member of the Kansas Auctioneer Association and the National Auctioneer Association. He enjoyed camping, boating, hunting, fishing, attending BlueGrass and meeting friends at McDonalds for coffee.

His family includes:
His wife: Diane Brazle of Winfield;
His children: Justin Brazle and wife, Leslie of Winfield; Jayna Bertholf and husband, Dave of Winfield;
His brothers: Gary Brazle of Pennsylvania; Frank Brazle of Chanute;
His sisters: Mildred Snyder of Winfield; Reba White of Hoxie; and
His grandchildren: Zane Brazle, Cutter Brazle, Sam Bertholf, Abby Bertholf and Elly Bertholf.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by a brother, Elbert W. Brazle.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 6, 2017 at 10:00 A.M. at First United Methodist Church in Winfield. Interment will follow at Dexter Cemetery. Friends may call at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield on Wednesday evening from 5 to 8 P.M. The family will greet visitors during this time.

Memorials have been established in John's name for First United Methodist Church and for Cowley County 4-H. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.