Kenneth L. Brammer

Kenneth L. Brammer peacefully went to his heavenly home on December 17, 2017 after a brief illness, surrounded by his children. He was 93 years old. Ken was born on August 26, 1924 in Sabetha, Kansas to Ernest & Myrtle (Hamilton) Brammer. Ken graduated from Knightstown High School in 1942. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1952 from Ball State Teachers College and his Master’s Degree in education in 1958. Ken was a classroom teacher of Math and Industrial Education for 14 years and supervisor/administrator in education for 26 years. He retired from Anderson Community Schools on June 30, 1992 as director of Vocational & Adult Education. Ken previously taught in Liberty, Richmond and New Castle, Indiana. Ken was best known as supervisor of Adult Apprenticeship Training for over 23 years. Ken was a 50 year member of the Optimist Club International and currently a member of the Anderson Noon Optimist Club. He held several offices in Optimist International before serving as Indiana State Governor in 1981. Throughout his career, he received several awards and accolades. After graduating from High School, he joined the Army Air Corp. and began training with the 4th Air Force. In March of 1944, he joined the 474th fighter Group and served as rank of Sergeant as a P-38 mechanic and crew chief stationed in Europe. The 474th fighter group participated in 6 major campaigns including D-Day in Normandy, Central Europe, Northern France, Air Offense over Europe, Battle of the Bulge and the Rhineland. Although he received many wartime honors, medals and ribbons he felt the heroes of the 474th fighter group were those who gave their lives in combat during WWII for the freedom of others. Yearly on Veteran’s Day, he refused the free benefits saying that his true gift was to be allowed to come home while several fellow service men did not. Ken was married to Jacqueline (Jackie) Campbell on December 18, 1948. She preceded him in death in July 2007. Together they raised 4 children. Ken enjoyed watching NASCAR, Indy car races, college basketball and the Pacers, but most of all eating a tenderloin at the Bank restaurant in Pendleton. Dad was still a current member of 474th, American Legion Post #127, Veteran of Foreign Wars #266 and former member of Toastmasters Club. He also was past president and current member of the Madison County Retired Teachers Association. Ken was also a member of the New Horizons Methodist Church of Anderson. Ken is survived by his children, Tamera Montgomery of Greenwood, Sonya Nodine-McCain (Mike) of Anderson, Phillip (Lori) Brammer of Davison, Michigan and Garry (Robin) Brammer of Pendleton; grandchildren, Robert (Laura) Montgomery of Indianapolis, Indiana, Chris (Kari) Nodine of Pendleton, Megan (Mike) White of Anderson, Kortney & Kylie Carey of Moore, Oklahoma, Zac Brammer of Davison, Michigan, Nick Murphy and Kyle (Tiffany) Lackey of Maryland; great-grandchildren, Lucas Montgomery of Indianapolis and Joshua Nodine of Pendleton; great-great grandchildren, Morgan Lea White and Naomi Lackey; and sister, Jewel Collins of Fort Wayne, Indiana; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Ken was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jacqueline; brothers, Alvie and Melvie Brammer. The family wishes to thank the following: Dr. Robert Anderson, the nursing staff of St. Vincent’s 5th floor, and the incredible staff of Fall Creek Retirement Village. Visitation will be 3-7pm, Wednesday, at Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Service & Crematory Anderson, Indiana. A Funeral Ceremony will follow on Thursday at 10 am at the funeral home with Pastor Steve Holdzkom officiating. Burial will follow with military honors at Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Pendleton Emergency Ambulance, P.O. Box 265, Pendleton, Indiana 46064 or Anderson Noon Optimist Club, 4882 E. SR 236, Middletown, Indiana 47356.