Walter Brasel, ae 92 of Jasper, AR departed this life Saturday, April 5, 2008 at Newton County Nursing Home, in Jasper.

He was born November 22, 1915 at Parthenon, AR, the son of Richard S. and Arizona (Casey) Brasel. He was a lifelong resident of Newton County. He married Pearl (Self) Harrison on November 2, 1941, and they owned and operated Pearl's Cafe in Jasper for many years.

Walter was a great basketball player, wearing the number 3. He was voted most valuable player when his team, the Wampus Cats of Coal Hill, AR won the state title in 1936. He proudly wore the #3 and was very proud of the team and their accomplishments. He was also a veteran of the World War II era serving in the U.S. Army.

Walter was active in state and local politics in the Democrat party and was an avid hunter and fisherman.

His parents preceded his in death by his parents; his wife, Pearl; a son-in-law, Charles Petree; a son, Jolly Harrison; four brothers, Lloyd, Glen, Guy, and Bill Brasel; and three sisters, Jessie Hudson, Velma James, and Helen Matlock.

Survivors are a daughter, Betty Petree, of Bixby, OK; a son and daughter-in-law, Richard T. and Bonnie Brasel, of Jasper; a brother, Joe Brasel, of Coal Hill, AR; seven grandchildren; and four great grandchildren. He is also survived by Patricia Brasel, of Rogers, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss him.

Visitation was Tuesday, April 8, 2008 with the funeral service following Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at Coffman Funeral Home Chapel in Jasper with Donnie Villines officiating. Burial is in Jasper Cemetery. Pallbearers were Coy Brasel, Billy Dale Brasel, Richard Hudson, Vernon Stacey, Gerald James, and Jack "Buster" Matlock. Honorary pallbearers were William "Bill" Aiken, Judy Belle Villines, Hazel Peoples, Roy Brasel, and the residents and staff of Newton County Nursing Home.