Joseph "Joe" Brandt (100) of Mobile, AL passed away at home on May 25th, 2025 surrounded by his family. He is predeceased by his wife Ann Hermes Brandt (nee Underhill), to whom he was married for 63 years and who was the love of his life.
Joe was born on August 2, 1924 in Asheville, North Carolina to Joseph Brandner and Mary Anita Brandt (nee Semmes). His father died when he was an infant, and Joe was raised by his mother along with his three sisters: Patricia Semmes (William) McKenzie, Barbara Ann (Frank) Lewis and Josephine Georgette “Peachie” Brandt. Together the family survived the Great Depression, instilling in Joe a strong sense of resilience and self-sacrifice. He proudly served his country as a career Air Force Officer, retiring in 1967 with the rank of Lt. Colonel, serving in both World War II and the Korean War. He flew on both B47 tankers and B58 Bombers under the Strategic Air Command as a navigator. After earning his Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics from Florida Southern College under the G.I. Bill, he went on to another career as a mathematician and computer specialist at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Mobile, retiring in 1987.
Joe was a gentle soul who was devoted to his family. He especially loved being "Grandpa Joe" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Until his later years he was an avid golfer, and a grand master in bridge, which he enjoyed playing with his wife Ann as partner.
He is survived by his four children: Joanne Underhill (Ed Burkett) Brandt, Michael Joseph (Cindy) Brandt, Richard Steven Brandt and Barbara Ann (William Larson) Brandt; as well as his five grandchildren: Heather (Josh) Britnell, Matthew (Meghan) Brandt, Alan (Sarah Elizabeth) Brandt, Margaret Larson and Gage Larson; and five great-grandchildren: Stella Jane Brandt, Davis Michael Brandt, Joseph Dean Britnell, William Davis Britnell and Owen Michael Britnell; and various nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to express its gratitude to Juanita Richardson for the many years of caregiving and loving support provided to both Ann and Joe.
A private family celebration of life will be held on the date of Joe’s 101st birthday.5.
