Donald Maximillian Brayton Phd

Donald Maximillian Brayton, PhD, 78, Independence, MO, Left us at 3:45pm on August 15, 2017. Born to Cecil and Helen Brayton February 8, 1939 in Webster City, Iowa. He lived in Williams, Iowa, Manchester, Iowa and finally Independence, MO. Don loved people and he loved to learn. He was a BSA Life Scout and even played in the high school band when he was only in the 6th grade. He received his Bachelor Degree in Music Education from the University of Iowa in Iowa City. There he was a member of the University Hawkeye Marching Band and the University Symphony Band. He received his Masters Degree in Spanish and his Doctorate in Latin American Literature from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. That included living in Mexico for a year. Don taught Spanish at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL, at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana campus and at the Jacksonville State University in Alabama.
A life-long member of the Community of Christ, Don moved to Independence, Missouri in 1974 and was a member of The Stone Church. He sang in the Independence Messiah Choir and the Stone Church Choir, and played clarinet in the Independence Symphony Orchestra, Lee's Summit Stage Band, Joyful Sounds Brass Ensemble and most notably, the Spirit of Independence Concert Band. His last performance was on Father's Day 2017.
He was long-term volunteer at The Groves Retirement Community and resident of the Heritage House. A friend to all, he will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him. We will always remember his smile and laughter. He will be inurned in the Oakland cemetery in Manchester, Iowa. Memorial service is 10:00 am, Saturday, September 16th, 2017 at the Chapel located at Carson Speaks Funeral Home, 1501 W. Lexington Ave, Independence, MO.