David Kent Brandebery

Kent is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Lou Brandebery, his sister, Lineta Bacon (John) and three nephews, Kenneth, Robert and Allan Bacon and two great nephews, Andrew and Alexander. Kent's son, David Brandebery and a half brother, Maurice F. Lane, preceded him in death.

Kent was born November 17, 1935 , nine miles outside of Sundance, Wyoming to Victor and Emma Brandebery. His father ranched and his mother taught in a school that was five miles from their rustic cabin. Emma would ride the horse, Sunny Boy, to get to work. Sometimes, two-year old Kent would ride with his mother on the trail to school and Emma would secure him on the saddle and Sonny Boy would take him home. Kent was sometimes cared for a local Sioux woman.

When Kent was two, his father gave up ranching due to drought and a grasshopper invasion, the family moved south to Colorado.

Kent was an elementary school student during War II. His family lived by the Littleton Cemetery and Kent befriended the men who worked there. The Cemetery Superintendent knew Kent played trumpet and asked Kent to play "Taps" at military funerals. Because Kent was only in the fourth grade, the superintendent stationed Kent in a large grove of evergreens where his horn could be heard but he was hidden. Kent played at many military funerals.

After graduation from Littleton High School in 1963, Kent decided to attend the University of Northern Colorado as a music major. He packed up his light green Mercury coupe and headed to Greeley where he joined the band. After graduation, Kent had the opportunity to travel and perform with a group entertaining soldiers in Korea and Japan. Kent received his Masters from C.U. in 1967. In 1958, Kent began his career as the only music teacher in Douglas County, where at various times he taught both Elementary and High School. Kent retired from teaching in 1990.

Kent became interested in the history of Douglas County after meeting the families who had settled the county. He served as Vice President for the D.C. Preservation Board and the President of the D.C. Historical Society and started the Castle Rock Band in 1999 after researching the town band that existed in the 1900's. He supported local historians Lionel and Starr Oberlin in setting up the Castle Rock Museum and donated many items to the collection.

Kent had many interests and passions. He restored a Model T and he and Mary Lou enjoyed many outings with the Model T Club. Kent found pleasure in collecting unusual brass instruments and rare frontier military equipment. For many years Kent had a saddlery and leather repair business. After retirement, Kent spent time teaching at the Lakota and Sioux school in Mission, South Dakota.

Kent was involved with many organizations over the years, including the Elks Club of Victor, CO, where they had a summer house and the Castle Rock Lions Club, The Citizens for American Military Past (former Western States Division President) and Kent was also a 60 year Mason. Kent has been honored by the community as one on "20 Who Made The Difference", was a recipient of the Vision Cornerstone Tribute, recognizing his contribution to the character of the Town of Castle Rock in 2009. He served on the board of Friends of Historic Fort Logan.

Kent loved animals, especially his basset hound, Elvis and his beagle, Susie. He and Mary Lou adopted many strays at their country home over the years.

Of all of his achievements, Kent was most proud of his many students who went on to become music teachers and professional musicians.

Contributions in his honor may be made to Castle Rock Band - P.O. Box 1632, Castle Rock, CO 80104, or, Castle Rock Museum at 420 Elbert St., Castle Rock, CO 80104.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.OlingerAndrews.com for the Brandebery family.