"You lose your purpose to live if you're not doing something". These are the words that 70 year old Elmer Brazzle lives by. A stonecutter for 47 years, Brazzle is the father of fourteen children and mentor to many at the Bayer Stone plant in St. Marys.
Pride of hand craftsmanship has been his trademark from the very beginning. "It's quality...Making sure a piece is correct, checking what he's doing, and paying close attention to details".
Elmer Brazzle first began his career in Manhattan, KS in 1953. His
journey took him to Denver, CO, Larimie, WY, and Topeka, KS before joining
Bayer Stone in 1966. Brazzle learned a little more about his craft
everywhere he went, working under Master Stone Cutters like Joe Butts.
Although a quiet man, never seeking attention, in 1976 he could not be
overlooked receiving the AIA Craftsman and Arts Award for excellence.
Brazzle says "The environment at Bayer Stone is encouragement, allowing you
creative freedom and working under Max (Bayer). He's a good boss, but is
also a good friend." Brazzle has since retired but his
creative enthusiasm for stone cutting still inspires those at Bayer Stone today.
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