Denny Lee Brandon – formerly of Mt. Vernon

Denny Lee Brandon, age 71, formerly of Mt. Vernon, IL passed from this life and went to his reward by the grace of Jesus, Sunday, November 11, 2018 after a brief illness at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, TN.

He was born August 29, 1947 in Tuscola, Illinois and preceded in death by his parents, Max and Betty (Dyar) Brandon.  On April 14, 1968 Denny Lee Brandon married Marilyn (Fenton) Brandon in Sims, IL and they were blessed with 50 years of marriage together.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn (Fenton) Brandon; one son, Aaron Brandon of Wilmington, Ohio; two granddaughters, Chloe Williams and Miranda Thrasher;  two brothers and their wives, Darrel (Sandy Fishel) Brandon of Minier, Illinois, and Don (Deanne Fiensy) Brandon of Johnson City, Tennessee; one sister and her husband, Debbie (Mike) Kilgallin of Ferryville, Wisconsin; a foster sister and her husband, Maurine (Harvey) Collett of East Peoria; loved ones, Cindi Williams, Trevor Thrasher; brother-in-law Ken (Linda) Fenton; sister-in-law, Evelyn Fenton Bond; as well as 13 nieces and nephews and many other relatives and countless friends.

The life of Denny Brandon was unique and very full. He graduated from Eastern Illinois University with an Education degree in English and history, along with minors in Russian, economics, political science, and geography. He also received his master’s degree in English literature. He taught high school English for 7 years. In 1992 Denny received an additional master’s degree in business administration from Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1980, a new career was begun in management with 3M Corporation, first in Cincinnati, and later in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His work sent him to many corners of the globe and almost every continent in the world.

He and Marilyn retired in 2007 and became a vibrant part of the Tellico Village community near Loudon, Tennessee, as well as taking an active role with the Community Church of Tellico Village, their Men’s Bible Class, and by being a facilitator with Kairos Prison Ministry where Denny traveled to area correction facilities and spent weekends with prisoners teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As a result of Kairos efforts, recidivism is reduced on average by more than 50%.

Denny Brandon loved learning. His special love for current events, world affairs, history, music, and finance made him an expert in many fields. He researched out the genealogies of his family line and was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, June 21st, 2019 at The Archie L. Sanders Memorial Chapel in Wayne City, with Mike Kilgallin and Darrel Brandon officiating.  Visitation will begin at 10 AM and continue until the time of service.  Interment will be at Thomason Cemetery in Wayne City.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Thomason Cemetery and will be accepted at the Archie L. Sanders Memorial Chapel or at Young Funeral Home in Wayne City, which is in charge of the arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.youngfuneralhomellc.com