Racine- Edward O. Brannon, 80, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, April 3, 2007 following a valiant battle with cancer. Ed was born in Chicago, IL on August 6, 1926 to the late John Jess and Eleanore Margaret (nee: O’Hern) Brannon. A graduate of William Horlick High School, he has lived in Racine since 1937. When he became of eligible age for enlistment, Ed proudly served our Country with the United States Navy in WWII. Ed was preceded in death by his first wife, Phyllis (nee: Linstroth). On February 5, 1994 in St. Casimir Catholic Church, he married Anna Mae (nee: Geisen, Bauer, Barrington). For many years, Ed was employed as Chief Engineer at Racine Hydraulics. Upon his resignation, he founded Brannon Hydraulics, a company he was still currently operating with no plans of retirement. Ed was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. An accomplished pilot, he was a longtime member (membership #88 of thousands) of the Experimental Aircraft Association. Along with his son, Ed has built three experimental aircraft of his own. An extremely bright and creative engineer, he was a constant philosopher and was always eager to learn about innovative technology. Outside of flying, his hobbies included designing hydraulic valves. Above all, he was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather who placed his family priority one in life. He will be missed by the countless hearts he touched throughout his lifetime. Surviving are his loving wife, Anna Mae; sons, Dennis Brannon, Patrick (Debra) Brannon and Michael Brannon; step-sons, Jeffrey (Carlene) Bauer and Mark (Kara) Bauer; step-daughter, Julie (Homer, Jr.) Savard; his beloved grandchildren of whom he was so proud; sister, Jeanne Byrne; brothers, John (Barbara) Brannon, Jr. and Robert (Margaret) Brannon; brother-in-law, Charles (Muriel) Geisen; and by special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents and wife, Phyllis; Ed was preceded in death by his son, Gary Brannon and daughter, Terri Brannon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 11, 2007 at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring St., at 10:30 am with Rev. William J. Dietzler officiating. Military honors and a reception will follow the Mass. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Tuesday from 5-7 pm and in the church on Wednesday from 9:30-10:30 am. In accordance with Ed’s wishes, cremation will follow the services with private entombment in the niches of Holy Cross Cemetery. In memory of Ed, memorials to St. Paul the Apostle Parish; the Jane Cremer Foundation (for educating and empowering in the fight against cancer); or to St. Catherine’s High School have been suggested. A heartfelt note of thanks to Dr. Michael P. Mullane and his entire staff for their sincere compassion and support that was so graciously extended to Ed and to our family. God bless all of you!
Sign the Guestbook