Ronald Brandon

Ron Brandon was called home by our Heavenly Father on October 28, 2012. A 'celebration of life' memorial service to honor him will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2012 at 11:00am at the LDS chapel located at 6705 S Webster, Littleton, Colorado. He will be honored by both the Veterans as well as the Patriot Guard Riders. Ronald Edward Brandon was born January 17, 1952 in Socorro, NM to Calvin L. and Virginia Brandon. Surely at that time, they didn't realize what an exceptional man their third child would become ; the family relocated to Las Cruces, NM where Ron received his education, grade school through college. As a precocious first-grade student, Ron reported for the first day of school with a patch over his right eye due to an injury caused by the backfiring of a gun. Luckily he was not seriously injured, but to the other young students, the patch he proudly wore while telling the story of survival gave him a pirate-like presence that greatly impressed each of them. Even at that young age, it was easy to see that Ron would definitely be a force to reckon with! He graduated from Mayfield High School in 1970 and was most proud of the Trojans many state football championships. He loved football with a passion! He was also a proud member of the ROTC while at Mayfield High School and after graduation, decided to serve his country. Back in those days, he would have been drafted, but he chose instead to enlist in the Army and answer the call of duty, even while facing the threat of the Vietnam War. Throughout his life he always faced problems with the same resolve; just do what needs to be done! He proudly received several commendations while in the Army and achieved the rank of Sargent but was never deployed to Vietnam. At the time we felt blessed that he was spared, not knowing then what battles Ron would have to face later in life. During his free time from military duty, Ron enjoyed traveling back to Las Cruces to visit the family he so dearly loved. He enjoyed a good rodeo, watching movies and reading about historical events in American history. The Civil War was one of his favorite subjects but he also loved reading westerns and collected books by Louis L'Amour. Native American history and culture was also of great interest to him. He loved sports, especially football, and cheered on the Dallas Cowboys from the day they were founded in 1960 to the day he died. Too bad the Cowboys lost the last game Ron was able to watch, which oddly enough, occurred the same day Ron was called home. Ron graduated from New Mexico State University with a degree in agriculture, but worked as a truck driver in the welding trade at Valley Welders Supply for twenty-three years and after that, worked another two years at Air-Gas. He always had the best jokes or stories to share wherever he went, and his laughter was contagious, so a good sense of humor was definitely one of his most endearing qualities. He was a big guy, 6'3 and physically the strongest man my dad had ever met. If you knew my dad Joe Miller that's saying a lot because he too, was one of those BIG, strong guys! Ron could be a big teddy bear with the sweetest smile and kindest heart ... and then let you have it with his sarcastic quick wit, so he definitely kept everyone guessing. He had so many hopes and dreams for the future, but unfortunately, he suffered a massive stroke after a work-related injury & surgery, and spent the next ten years in a wheelchair while also dealing with other medical maladies caused as a result of the stroke. The amount of suffering he endured is heartbreaking, but he remained optimistic and considered each day a gift from God. His nickname was miracle-man. A lesser man would have given up long ago, but Ron kept the faith and persevered. As his family, we stand in AWE of him because he went down fighting each step of the way and NEVER gave up! One of his favorite sayings has always been "cowboy up" and that's exactly what he always did and how he lived his life! There are no words to adequately describe the loss we feel and how very much we miss him; a cherished husband, beloved daddy, precious grandpapa, devoted brother, uncle, cousin, and friend ... Until we meet again on the other side, we will all have to follow his example and cowboy up! There is no doubt in our minds when Ron successfully completed all he was meant to accomplish here on earth, our Heavenly Father called him home and proudly proclaimed, "Job well done!" He is survived by his wife and forever love, Valerie Miller-Brandon, daughter Staci Brassell, grandchildren Brianna and Blake Brassell, all of Denver, Colorado; brothers Sonny Brandon and wife Lyndia of Albuquerque, NM and brother Mardie Brandon and wife Cindy of Mesa, AZ. Mother-in-law Betty Jean Miller and sister-in-law Linda Miller, both of Las Cruces, NM and Carole Miller of Rio Rancho, NM. Many nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Calvin L. and Virginia Brandon of Las Cruces, NM and a sister Emily Brandon Terrell and husband Billy of Arizona. Paternal grandparents are Mardie C Brandon and wife Avis and maternal grandparents, Eddie Brannon and Lila Brannon, all of Quemado, NM. Also preceded in death by father-in-law, Joe Miller and sister-in-law Sandra Miller McCain Clifford and her son Joshua Ryan McCain, all of Las Cruces, NM. Cremation has taken place at Colorado Cremation. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in the name of Army Veteran Ron Brandon to Combat Veterans Cowboy Up in Elizabeth, CO. http://combatveteranscowboyup.org/Site/Directions.html