Francis Earl Brandon Jr.

Col. Francis Earl Brandon Jr., USAF (ret) made final approach and passed away peacefully on August 20, 2016, at home in Austin, surrounded by his loving family. Now that's how it's done.

Born to Alvira and Francis E. Brandon in Syracuse, NY, during the Great Depression, Frank was a warrior, an Air Force Fighter jock – the best of the best – as well as a leader and commander. Father of four, grandfather of 12, he was a teacher, an artist, a hunter and outdoorsman, a storyteller, a gambler, an inventor and builder, a gardener and a mentor to many people, young and not-so…

If ever a man knew how to get the most out of life, it was Frank 'Brandy' Brandon. Moving 21 times in 26 years of Air Force service, the Colonel made every journey an adventure: towing the BB Bayleen houseboat up the AlCan Highway to Alaska for one new duty assignment, then cruising it down the Lewis & Clark trail on the Missouri River for the next. Camping across the country, feeding a growing family on fresh fish, caught off the bow; fowl and game he hunted, salads concocted from dandelion leaves, and desserts of berries he picked himself. Man, that's how you do it.
He soared in jets and glided in sailplanes, traveled the world from the peaks of Alaska to the jungles of Southeast Asia, across the deserts of Saudi Arabia and through the historic vaults of Europe. In everything, he lived to the fullest: when securing family housing in England, he found not a cottage, but a true country manor house, Charlton Lodge, where he reigned as "lord of the manor." In Las Vegas, it was a tiny duplex furnished with garage sale items, which were sold when he left six months later – for a modest profit of course. Because that's how you do it.

And when retirement brought him to Austin, Texas, it was not to suburban life. No. Frank Brandon found his piece of paradise on Oak Knoll, and worked that property into his masterpiece, with running springs and ponds, wildlife and livestock, a garden, his sculptures and hubcaps, and the infamous Bunkhouse where he hosted visitors and scout troops -- and a Monday night poker game that lasted 35 years.

Not even illness could bind this man's spirit. Tough as nails and supported by his friends at the "J," he didn't just survive, but thrived through many health challenges in later years. For Frank Brandon, a diagnosis of cancer didn't mean just reporting to MD Anderson in Houston for treatment; it meant continuing right down IH-10 afterward for a little fun at Coushatta Casino, ever ready to "fly and fight."

And at the end, Francis Earl Brandon, Jr. died in his own bed, with his wife of 61 years by his side. And as he wished, when he left the Big House on Oak Knoll for the last time, it was "feet first."

He is survived by his wife Beverly, and his children: son Blaine and Jessica Brandon, daughter Bethany and Thomas Phillips, son Brent and Jennifer Brandon, daughter Briarlee Barrow, and grandchildren: Nicholas, Shawna and Luke Brandon, Brandon Phillips, Blake, Benjamin, Brett, Breanna and Olivia Brandon, MacKenzie Warren, Margaret and Madeline Barrow, and great-grandson Ronin Brandon.

Services to be held at 3 pm on Sunday, September 11, at Cook Walden Chapel of the Hills, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choosing.

To share your memories and condolences with Francis' family, please visit www.cookwaldenchapelofthehills.com.