Remembering Braxton Rethwisch

Braxton Rethwisch Remembering

A Legacy of Building and Nourishing Relationships

On November 29, the Central community was struck with the news of the death of Braxton P. Rethwisch, ’64, legendary admissions counselor and former senior regional director of admissions. Rethwisch passed away in his home at the age of 78, surrounded by his family, including his wife Judy (Engel) Rethwisch, ’65.

Born and raised in Fayette, Rethwisch graduated from Fayette High School in 1960 before attending Central Methodist College. At Central, he was heavily involved in the Alpha Phi Gamma (Mokers) fraternity and served as the business manager of the Ragout yearbook before graduating with a bachelor’s degree. On the heels of his graduation, Rethwisch began working at his alma mater as an assistant to thenPresident Ralph Woodward. Two years later, he started his tenure in the Admissions Office, and the rest is history.

Rethwisch had a reputation for being an “old-school” admissions counselor who really got to know the students and families he worked to recruit preceded him. His work was fruitful, bringing in an average of more than 50 new freshmen each year and as many as 70 during the great years.

A scholarship in his name is awarded annually to five students through the Missouri Association for College Admission Counseling, and a Hall of Sponsors fund bearing his name was established by the Mokers in 2015.

Braxton Rethwisch’s legacy at Central Methodist University is warmth, enthusiasm, commitment, hard work, and loyalty. He remained committed through the years in many ways. He and his wife, Judy, loved this campus and loved the people of Central. He helped hundreds of young people get started with their education. He inspired them, encouraged them, and happily reunited with them when they joined him as proud alumni.

After an amazing letter from Marian Olson Rusk, ’63, the Talon asked for some of the people close to Braxton to submit memories. The contributions were heartfelt and articulate. Because of space limitations, we picked the best and even had to edit those quite a bit. Thanks to all for helping us remember and honor Braxton’s legacy.

Marian Olson Rusk (1963) To all of us who knew him, neither Fayette nor Central Methodist will ever seem the same without Braxton Rethwisch

Braxton exemplified Moker enthusiasm, charm, leadership, and school spirit.

He will live in the memories of the countless students he introduced to the possibilities Central offered them for their college careers.

William Michael Reid (1962) I remember several conversations with Braxton that demonstrated his love of Central and what a strategic mind he had. Once, Braxton asked my opinion about several of his ideas, specifically to offer health-related programs off campus at remote sites and via distance education. He believed some major innovations would be necessary to keep Central safely afloat. Braxton took his ideas and initiated the creation of several programs that I believe are now essential to Central’s identity and well-being.

Parker Johnson (2017) I will never be able to repay the debt that I owe Braxton Rethwisch. If it were not for him, I likely would never have attended CMU. If it were not for Braxton, I would never have gotten to enjoy the boundless grace, mercy, and limitless blessings that I was given while an undergraduate. If it were not for Braxton, I would never be able to proudly say that I am an alum from the greatest school in the world.

Tad Perry (1965) Loyalty is the one-word description of Braxton’s life. He was loyal to his family, to CMU, and to his friends. He built and nourished relationships. Attesting to this was the deep circle of friends who came to Fayette for the “Thanks Braxton” evening held several years ago and honored him with a CMU Hall of Sponsors Scholarship in 2015.

Dave Bandy (1966) Braxton loved his career in Admissions, representing Central for 55 years, promoting the university to prospective college students who were searching for a path to earn a degree which would serve them for a lifetime. He took a great deal of pride in his work, always taking it seriously, but never himself. He loved to tell stories and jokes with his dry sense of humor. He was always having fun with friends.

Braxton was a man of many dimensions. He loved his family, his work, and his many friends. His was a life well lived. He is missed by all of us who were fortunate to have shared it with him.

E.C. Walker (1966) I was not surprised when Braxton went to work for Central, just as I was not surprised at how successful he became at recruiting students for the school. In later years, both before and after his stroke, my wife and I were able to attend several of the “Cardinals Nights” he arranged at Busch Stadium. It was, I suppose, just another example of the outreach he used to support Central; it also served as a good way for many of us from an earlier era, Braxton’s era, to keep in touch.

Jack Rubey (1965) Braxton, and his very good friend Tad Perry were among the first to welcome me to Central in the fall of ’61. They made me feel welcome and immediately started introducing me around to others that they knew. This was very helpful to me in getting acquainted with others at Central.

Braxton loved comedy. He had a great record collection of comedians. I think he must have memorized most of the better routines, because sometimes when a few friends would get together for refreshments he would provide the entertainment. He was so good at telling stories and so funny. I loved his jokes but could never retell one as good as him.

Melissa (Missy Ward) Knight (2002) Mr. Braxton was always one of my biggest fans through school! He loved working with me on recruiting days and Scholarship Days. He would also insist I recruit in the small town of Charleston, Mo., that I called my second home. I loved his smile, jokes, humor, class, mentoring, but above all his faith. He had faith in me that I could not see at times.

Mr. Braxton was always in my corner to do great things, and when he was on campus we would pick up where we left off with the love, confidence, and mentoring that he continued until he saw me walk across the stage in 2002. He will always be in my corner as I continue to walk in faith!

Jerry Benner (1966) Braxton and Judy rented a cozy clubhouse on the Meramec River just south of St. Louis. It needed a fireplace in order to spend a cozy winter weekend. One could buy a firebox – ready to go, but not Braxton. Fortunately, Braxton had a lot of friends to haul a bunch of large limestone stones and help construct a fireplace from scratch – one that Braxton, after careful study, designed. It was such a wonderful fireplace that the landlord who completely refurbished the clubhouse in the 2000s kept the fireplace. Fortunately, they did not keep the old bathroom, which at one time needed complete plumbing and an actual door – one so small that an individual’s weight could be a concern. The cost of a visit to the clubhouse usually came with a project to be completed – a visit of good times and some beer.

Wallace Turnage Jr. (1965) I always knew Braxton as a self-starter and a take-charge person. He also had a great sense of humor and a good wit. He was always there if you needed anything. As an example, late in life, when visiting in St. Louis I had an episode with my back, which resulted in excruciating pain, and had no way to get to the Barnes Hospital emergency room. However, after one telephone call Braxton was there and rushed to my aid. It exemplifies the saying that “A friend in need is a friend indeed.”

In top photo, Braxton in the early years. Next, Braxton shares a moment with his 50 year reunion class from CMU. Third, President Drake speaks about Braxton at his Hall of Sponsors dedication in 2016. Last, Board of Trustees chairman Tad Perry bestows an honorary doctorate.