BRANNON, Thomas Edward, Sr.

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona - 04/25/2003 Thomas Edward Brannon Sr. of Quemado, N.M., stepped through the threshold of life into the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, April 18. Preceding him in death and waiting at the doors of Heaven were his father and mother, Eddie Franklin and Lila Emily Brannon and his two younger brothers, Johny Dean and Robert Dale Brannon. Tom was born in Elk City, Okla., May 13, 1926. He spent his younger years between Oklahoma and Quemado, where his folks had a homestead. Tom met Vernoma May Hedrick while in Oklahoma. They were married August 22, 1947 and immediately left for New Mexico where they spent the majority of their lives together. Tom was a Jack-of-all-trades. He worked as a wild-catter in the oil fields of Oklahoma, drilled water wells in New Mexico, logged timber and in his latter years owned and operated a sawmill. For almost 40 years, he and his wife sub-contracted and contracted and drove the mail route between Quemado and Fence Lake, N.M.. Tom declared his love for Jesus while still a young adult and was baptized and became a member of First Baptist Church in Quemado. He leaves behind his wife, Vernoma, Quemado, N.M. Also his five children: Eulene (and Archie) Watkins, Eagar, Ariz.; Nova Deanne Cornett (and Harry Hall), Grants, N.M.; Tom, Jr (and Carol) Brannon, Quemado, N.M.; Jo (and Jerry) Draegert, Springerville, Ariz.; and Wayne (and Melody, estranged) Brannon, Farmington, N.M.. He has two surviving sisters, Virginia Lee Brandon, Las Cruces, N.M. and Elwanda Leona Wilson, Quemado, N.M., as well as 16 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Tom spent the last three months of his life at Friendship House in Eagar. Funeral services were held at the First Baptist Church in Quemado on Wednesday, April 23. Pastor Ira Shelton led the services. Interment was at the Quemado Community Cemetery. Jewkes Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.