Fred Richard Brockwell's Obituary
Fred Brockwell, a “pillar of the Del Rio Community;” even referred to as a “Del Rio Icon” has passed away at the age of 87.
Fred aka Freddie was born in Del Rio, Texas to Floyd Brockwell and Ward Dean (“Wardie”) Latham Brockwell on December 6, 1935. He had 2 younger brothers, Floyd Dean Brockwell and Johnnie Lee Brockwell. They have all preceded him in death.
Fred is survived by his daughter – Blaire Brockwell Cooper, his son in law – Bob Cooper, grandsons – Kyle Cooper & Preston Cooper, his son – Kevin Brockwell, grandson – Tyler Brockwell, and his nephew – John Brockwell. Fred is also survived by his great-aunt, Joyce Latham Stone (96 years young) and MANY wonderful cousins. Fred was raised in Del Rio surrounded by his large, wonderful family that included his parents, grandparents, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, and a ton of lifelong friends. He LOVED every minute of his childhood…his whole life, actually!
Fred graduated from Del Rio High School in May 1954, and was the Senior Class President. After graduation he went to Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas for a brief stint, but soon headed to Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas where he earned his BBA – Business Degree in 1959. After graduating from college, he went back to Del Rio to teach math at Del Rio Junior High School until joining the US Air Force in December 1961. While in the USAF, he married Carolyn Simmers in November 1962, and they went on to have their daughter in 1964 and son in 1965 while stationed at Lajes Field AFB in The Azores. In August 1966, Fred was honorably discharged from the USAF, and would soon become an FDIC Bank Examiner living with his family in Houston, Texas. In 1972, he accepted a position as VP at Harlandale Bank in San Antonio where he worked until 1976.
In the summer of 1976, Fred and his family moved back to Del Rio where he opened Brockwell Jewelers in downtown, and he enjoyed owning and operating the store. He also kept a fully stocked soda vending machine in the stock room filled with ice-cold bottled Dr Pepper; his favorite drink his whole life.
Fred’s TRUE CALLING was expressed when he co-founded The Upstagers troupe in 1977; dedicated to providing residents of Del Rio and Laughlin Air Force Base an opportunity to experience live theatre. Fred was involved in every aspect of The Upstagers from directing, producing, performing (acting, singing, and dancing), set designing, set construction, costume designing, ticket sales, advertising, and more. The highlight of Fred’s love of the theatre was when he was honored by “A Musical Tribute to Fred Brockwell” in February 2010. In the gala-style event, tributes to Fred were performed with songs, dances, show tunes, show scenes, and heartfelt remarks from various people from his theatre life. In addition, that night, he received the 2010 Spotlight Award from the American Association of Community Theatre. Recognition of the award was also certified under House Resolution No. 157 by the Texas House of Representatives on June 28, 2011. And a few years later, the City Manager of Del Rio proclaimed November 18, 2017, as “Fred Brockwell Day” to recognize and honor his many accomplishments in the community.
During his time owning the jewelry store and working with The Upstagers, he ran for Justice of the Peace for Val Verde County, and started his judicial career in 1980. He went on to be re-elected every four years as Judge Fred Brockwell until his retirement in 2010; being the only JP to serve all 4 precincts of Val Verde County Texas.
In October 2017, Fred moved to Scappoose, Oregon to be near his daughter, and lay his final roots. Fred quickly befriended a group of people that enjoyed the card game of Bridge as much as he did. He was a great competitive player, and really enjoyed all the wonderful friends he made while playing with various groups in the Scappoose and St. Helens area.
Throughout his life, Fred enjoyed over 25 cruises with his closest friend (Loris Ann Davies) and/or family members (Robert & Diane Brockwell, Grace Trent, Johnnie Lee & Cindy Brockwell) to beautiful destinations such as Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the Panama Canal & Mexican Riviera, and several European locations. We all recall him loving his trip to St. Petersburg in Russia, and he referred to it as “one of the most beautiful places he’d ever seen.”
On March 22, 2023, Fred peacefully passed away in his own bed in his own home in Scappoose, Oregon at the age of 87. He led a BEAUTIFUL COLORFUL LIFE, and was a happy, positive, caring, friendly, hardworking, highly respected gentleman who will be very sorely missed. ♥
Fred’s Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Columbia Funeral Home, 681 Columbia Blvd, St. Helens, OR, 97051.
Fred’s Texas Graveside Service will be held in Del Rio at the Westlawn Cemetery in late summer of 2023. Date and time to be determined.
Lastly, if you would like to honor Fred, please donate to The Upstagers in Del Rio, Texas in Fred’s honor. Their address is PO Box 420861, Del Rio, TX, 78840. A link is also available for immediate donations to honor Fred: http://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/4832ede9-c890-4aa2-882d-bf56bcad2f7e
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