Edward Leroy Brandt

joined his beloved wife in Heaven after a short but very

difficult battle with cancer. Wilma preceded him in death,

also of cancer, in 1997 at the early age of 56. Ed will be

deeply missed by many as a dear friend, brother, grandfather,

uncle, and a beloved daddy.

Ed was born in Watonga, Oklahoma the son of Newton C.

and Nona Mae Brandt. He lived in Watonga with his younger

brother and a large amount of cousins, aunts, and uncles who

he stayed in touch with through the years. Ed joined the

Navy and proudly served from 1961-1966. He was sent to

be stationed at NAS Lemoore to work on airplane hydraulics

and to be part of the flight deck crew. Ed quickly fell in love

with the state of California, especially after meeting the love

of his life, Wilma Brackett, in the city of Hanford.

Ed met Wilma while cruising through Main Street Hanford.

He shared a glorious courtship with Wilma that sent the two

on the road traveling and exploring many places such as

Lake Tahoe and the Pacific Coast. They became husband

and wife on July 30, 1965.

After Ed was honorably discharged from the Navy, he began

his career working at the Safeway Milk Plant in Hanford,

where he worked for nearly 30 years. It was during this time

that Ed saved up to purchase his family home in Hanford,

where he and Wilma raised their three children. Ed proudly

ended up living in this same home all the way until his final days;

an impressive 47 years.

Ed was a faithful man and a proud servant of the lord.

For the last several years he attended First Baptist Church

in Hanford, where he helped by ushering friends to their seats

and taking around the collection plate. Ed loved life and had a

great sense of humor. His goofy jokes could make anybody

crack a smile, whether or not he remembered to tell the punch line.

He had a deep love for music and enjoyed singing aloud, quoting

a wide variety of musical genres from Jerry Lee Lewis to the Eagles.

He loved riding motorcycles along with family. He coached soccer

for his son’s team, cut wood that he could then burn in his fireplace,

and went on drive jobs to retrieve cars.

Ed was also very much a family man, and was proud to be a

better father than he had known himself. He is survived by his

three children, their spouses, and six grandchildren: Kristi, Lane,

Courtney, and Gage Wilcox; Kelley, Mike, Michael,

and Kyle Mayfield; and Kevin, Shauna, Ethan, and Gavin Brandt.

Ed cherished bringing this whole family together for both Thanksgiving

and Christmas. Some of his fondest memories were made during

these times with his grandchildren for whom he is so incredibly proud.

His love for traveling continued and he took many family trips.

Some stand out as especially memorable including: trips to

Disneyland and Six Flags, family road trips to Oklahoma,

family camping trips to the beach and the mountains, 5 different

vacations to Hawaii with Wilma and each of his children, and

motor home trips to Texas to visit his daughter and to Chicago

with his wife and son to see his beloved Cubs play.

Ed was a great friend to many. These friends are far too

numerous to mention, but whether they are from Oklahoma,

the Navy, Safeway, or his church, they all are dear to his heart.

His best friend for the past several years has been Doris Fernandez,

who became like one of the family after working closely with him

at the soup kitchen, where they both volunteered for many years.

Ed was the kind of guy that would give the shirt off his back to help

a friend or neighbor, he was most happy when he was doing for others.

Visitation will be held at People’s Funeral Chapel in Hanford

Tuesday, July 26, 2016, Private Family time will be from 4-5 pm

and 5-7 for public. Funeral Service will take place at First Baptist Church

Wednesday July 27, 2016 at 9:00 am, with graveside services

immediately following at Hanford Cemetery

where he will be laid to rest near his beloved wife Wilma. A reception will

follow at First Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests

that donations be sent to the First Baptist Church Hanford,

9125 13 ½ Ave. Hanford CA 93230 or ECOS Soup Kitchen, 519 N. Douty,

Hanford CA 93230 in memory of Edward Brandt