Allen Brannon Obituary

ALLEN BRANNON
1937-2006

All of us are blessed to have had this generous, brilliant, loving family man in our lives. On December 8, 2006, Ron Brannon lost his battle with cancer. We are sure that the Lord welcomed him to heaven.
Ron was born November 28, 1937 in Glendale, Arizona and moved to Santa Maria in 1944 when his father was stationed at Camp Cook (now VAFB). He had a wonderful life growing up in Santa Maria attending Fairlawn Elementary, El Camino Jr. High and graduating from Santa Maria High in 1956. He met his wife Frances when they were both in 7th grade, they fell in love their senior year in high school and married in August of 1956. Many of Ron's favorite memories were of playing football for the Santa Maria Saints.
Ron and Frances soon started a family with the birth of their sons Mark, Michael, and Larry. The birth of their son Mark was a pivotal moment for the young couple, as he was born with Cerebral Palsy and required constant care from them, which they have provided to him at home for the past 49 years. In addition he needed his parents to stand up for him to find him schooling and a place in our community. Ron founded and was President of the first chapter of the Crippled Children's Society in Santa Maria in approximately 1966. Through their advocacy, Mark was able to attend school at Martha Negus School in Vandenberg and later the Vocational Training Center in Santa Maria. Ron's determination to give Mark as normal a life as possible has impacted and inspired many people in the Santa Maria Valley.
Ron was a hard worker growing up. His first job was at Bill's Take Out, several service stations, back when they were full service stations, and was working for his father for the Law Packing Shed when he married Frances. When an opening came up at Santa Maria Neon, he became interested in the electrical trade. While working at Santa Maria Electric he decided to join the Local 413 IBEW union as an apprentice and was an active member for over 40 years. After mastering his trade for 23 years at Santa Maria Electric, Ron with his Uncle, Morris, and sons, Mike and Larry bought Smith Electric Service from Amber Smith in Lompoc. In 1982 Ron and his sons bought out Uncle Morris and moved Smith Electric to Santa Maria. In the intervening 26 years they have taken a 4 man shop and turned it into a full construction company that at times has had as many as 250 employees. Ron's sons credit their father with the insight, drive and determination to keep their company thriving. Perhaps more importantly, they know their father treated his company like family, no matter how many employees there were.
Although Ron was an Elk for 24 years and President of the Santa Maria High School Booster Club in the late 70's, Ron's greatest joy after his family came from his time spent at Lake Nacimiento. He and his family began by camping there in the early 60's and over time built a cabin from the ground up at Running Deer Ranch. He loved floating on his pontoon boat, driving his tractor, welding projects, bossing his grandkids about and helping his sons build places of their own. Every weekend found Ron, Frances and Mark at the lake and he eventually partially retired there.
He is survived by his mother Betty, his brother Don Brannon, his wife of 50 years Frances, his sons Mark, Mike, his wife Pam, their children Elise, Rachel and Spencer, Larry and his wife, Susie and their children Jennifer, Erica and Amanda, all of whom live in Santa Maria.
He is preceded in death by his father, Francis Allen Brannon.
He leaves many friends and business associates who knew him to be a strong man of integrity and honor, whose family always came first. He also leaves many young tradesmen, who got their start in life thanks to his support, wisdom and generosity.
A funeral service will be held at Pacific Christian Church at 3435 Santa Maria Way at 1pm on Friday, December 15, 2006. A reception will follow at the Plaza Building at the Santa Maria Fairpark from 2-5pm. A graveside service will be held privately attended by only family and invited guests.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Vocational Training Center at 2445 A Street, Santa Maria.
Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary & Crematory are in charge of funeral arrangements.
Dudley-Hoffman
Mortuary & Crematory
(805) 922-8463

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Santa Maria Times on Dec. 12, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Allen Brannon

9 Entries

Tim and Mary Wells

December 20, 2006

Dear Brannon Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Larry and Susie always spoke so highly of him. God's Blessings on your entire family, you are in our prayers.

Lisa Parsons Chadha

December 17, 2006

Fran,
When I was an impressionable teenager Ronnie challenged and encouraged me to pursue a real career--even in a "male-dominated" profession. It meant so much to have someone of his stature insist that "I could do it". His booming voice, gentle teasing and sparkling eyes will stay with me forever.

Together you and Ronnie welcomed and embraced not only my sister Pam but our entire family. I loved watching the football games at your home and how you would stop to visit me at the drug store to show off the latest cool jewelry that Ronnie bought you (I remember the spider well!). You and Ronnie set an extreme example of how to make a marriage work, how to raise wonderful kids, and how to advocate and care for those unable to do so for themselves. You have given our family the invaluable gift of your son Mike, who we all love dearly.

My heart goes out to you, your boys and all of your family. Ronnie will always be remembered and I am so grateful for the many ways he enriched so many of our lives. Wishing you peace and comfort in this sad time.
With love,
Lisa

Liz & Dave Spence

December 14, 2006

To the Brannon Family,
Your loved one has left behind a thousand memories that will live in your hearts forever. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless. The Spence Family

Donna Michaud

December 14, 2006

Frances & Mark,
My heart goes out to you with your loss, I will miss Ron's booming voice at the office.
Donna Michaud

Debbie Southern

December 12, 2006

As a fellow patient at Dr. Dichman's office, I will miss Ron's smiles, as well as his stories of his love for his family and times at his lake. My
condolences to his family at this difficult time.

Debra Crawford

December 12, 2006

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
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