Eldon Brandt

Eldon Earl Brandt and his twin sister, Elva, were born on July 6, 1918, in Chino, California. He was the youngest child of Reverend Henry Mellinger and Emma (Pomeroy) Brandt. Eldon is a direct descendant of King William the conqueror of England. He is also a direct descendant of James Chilton who came to America on the Mayflower.

The Brandt family moved back to Kansas on a train when Eldon was nine months old. In those days, pastors of the Free Methodist Church moved very often, so Eldon lived in several Kansas towns during his school years.

In May, 1937, Eldon graduated from Scranton High School. Two years later, he graduated from Central College in McPherson, Kansas. He found a job close to the college and decided to stay in McPherson. When Central College opened in the fall, he decided to eat his meals at the Central College dining room. It was during these meals he met and fell in love with Maxine Adeline Pyle. On August 10, 1940, Eldon Earl Brandt and Maxine Adeline Pyle were married at the district parsonage in Macksville, Kansas. After the wedding, lived on a half section of land that was owned by Maxine's parents, Reverend John Thomas and Harriett Angeline Anderson Pyle.

In September, 1941, their first child arrived, Eleanor Charlotte Brandt. In June, 1943, Eugene Eldon was born. Eldon was a loving, caring father. He took time to play with his children and found time to take them to ball games and other activities. He always found time to be there whenever he was needed.

Eldon was also the spiritual leader in the family. He took his family to worship services every week. He was a Sunday School teacher and provided leadership in many ways at the church in Macksville. He loved to sing and had a beautiful tenor voice which he used to praise his Savior. He was the song leader at his church and sang many times at various church functions, revival meetings, family camp meetings and conference. His singing voice was an inspiration to his family and many others who heard him.

As time went on, Eldon found he needed to supplement the farming income, He decided that teaching school would work well with farming, so he found a teaching position. He enjoyed teaching and went to Sterling College to complete his Bachelor's degree. He decided he wanted to become a principal. This required a Master's Degree, so he went to Fort Hays College for his Master's Degree. This required many long nights of driving to classes. In 1966, Eldon graduated with a Master's Degree.

Eldon's desire to serve the Lord more fully led him to become a member of the Gideon Organization. For many years he traveled to various churches presenting the Gideon message of the need of spreading the gospel through giving bibles.

Eldon and Maxine also liked to travel. During July or August of each year, they would travel and visited all of the western states and parts of Canada. They loved the mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

In 1982, they moved from the farm to McPherson, Kansas. For a few years Eldon drove back to the farm to plant and harvest wheat crops. Finally the farm was sold, and Eldon began to plant and harvest small lots around McPherson. He loved to farm and enjoyed farming as long as he was able.

In McPherson, they attended the McPherson Free Methodist Church where Eldon enjoyed singing in the choir.

In 1990, Eldon and Maxine celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary at the McPherson Free Methodist Church.

Eldon entered peacefully into eternal rest on Tuesday, March 27, 2007, at The Cedars in McPherson. He was eighty-eight.

Survivors include his daughter, Eleanor Rudeen of Salem, Oregon, his son, Eugene Brandt of McPherson, four grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Services will be at 11am Friday at the McPherson Free Methodist Church with Rev. Claude Griffith officiating. Burial will be in McPherson Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Thursday at Stockham Family Funeral Home. The family will be present from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

Memorial donations may be given to Central Christian College of Kansas. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Eldon Brandt please visit our Sympathy Store.