Omer Harman Brawley

Omer Harman Brawley (O.B.) passed on his own terms on November 11, 2017 at Merced Medical Center with his family beside him. After a long battle with Parkinson's and heart disease, it was fitting that he passed on Veterans Day, since he served in three branches of service: Army, Marines and Air Force.

After many years of education, he graduated with a degree in business and building. He was the owner of Brawley Construction, Merced Electric, Continental Fan & Lighting, and co-owner of Holiday Realty. He built tract and custom homes, apartment complexes, and numerous offices and medical buildings. His many accomplishments include serving as president of the Merced Chamber of Commerce, appointment by Sen. Ken Maddy to serve on the California Association of Small Businesses, and serving as chairperson for the Merced Downtown Association. He also was appointed to various committees for the city of Merced. He was a member of the Master Masons of California (40 years) F&AM of Fresno, Scottish Rite Bodies, Fresno Shrine Club and the Marching Arabian Club. He married Martha Gates in 1950, had three sons and traveled in the military. Later he came to Castle Air Force Base and stayed in the Merced area. He married Nancy Fleming in 1974. In 1997, he married Linda. They traveled all over the United States in their RV until his health no longer permitted traveling. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Linda Brawley, son, Rod Brawley (Kim) of Merced, son, Greg Brawley of Pennsylvania, grandson, Mason Brawley (Stephanie) of Merced, granddaughter Larra Rucker (Kevin) of Fayetteville, Ark.; randdaughter Brianna Brawley of Fresno, great-granddaughters, Piper and Mary Brawley of Merced, great-grandson, Finnian Rucker of Fayetteville., Ark.; stepson, Joe Cortez (Patty) of Turlock, stepson John Cortez (Diana) of Huntington Beach, granddaughters, Emily and Hannah Cortez of Bozeman, Mont., grandson, Nicholas Cortez of Turlock, granddaughters, Hailey and Lacey Cortez of Huntington Beach, and grandson, Ryan Cortez of Huntington Beach, Mike Fleming (Myrna) of the Philippines, Sam Fleming of Folsom, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Ethel Brawley of Texas, son, Steven Brawley of San Luis Obispo, grandson, Sean Brawley of Merced, his first wife, Martha Gallagher of San Luis Obispo, and a sister, June Natali of Hanford.

Graveside services will be Saturday, November 18, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Merced District Cemetery – Veterans Annex. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Tehran Shriners, 5407 E. Olive Ave., Fresno, Calif., 93727.

Arrangements under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Merced, CA.