FUNK, Brandon Jay

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ January 1, 2009 Brandon Jay Funk, 29, died Dec. 27, 2008, in Santa Barbara, Calif. He was born July 25, 1979, in Show Low. He graduated from Show Low High School in 1997. Following graduation, Brandon joined the Navy. He became a cryptologic/interpreter second class, specializing in Mandarin Chinese communications. Brandon was one of 24 crew members on the EP-3 reconnaissance plane that went down on Hainan Island, China, in 2001. He then made his home in San Diego/Santa Barbara, Calif. "Always in our hearts and loving memories, may you fly with the Lord in peace." He is survived by his parents, Kevin and Carly Funk of Show Low; brother Josh Funk of Show Low; sister Lyndsay Funk of Tucson; grandmother Marlene Hall of Arizona/South Carolina; and numerous aunts, uncles and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Carl and Joyce Williams and L.C. Jerry Hall. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, at the Owens Livingston Mortuary, White Mountain Chapel, 320 N. 9th St., in Show Low. Owens Livingston Mortuary of Show Low handled the arrangements. For those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book, visit www.owenslivingstonmortuary.com.