Col. John Selden Brandt

Tuesday, June 23 2009

SODUS - John Selden Brandt, 79, born in Sodus March 27, 1930, passed away May 28, 2009 in Albuquerque, N.M. He was the beloved only son of John W. and Helen Brandt, who preceded him in death. John was the brother to three surviving sisters: Katherine, Martha, and Anne. A fourth, Alice, preceded him in death. He leaves numerous nephews and nieces. He was raised in Wolcott, where he began his lifelong love of flying jet airplanes. Known for his sense of humor, he excelled in sports and academics. After graduating from Leavenworth Central School, where he was on the state championship soccer team, he attended Washington College for two years, so he could enter pilot training in the USAF. He graduated with his flying diploma from Williams AFB in Chandler, Ariz. in 1951. He had a 22-year career as a fighter pilot in the USAF, flying numerous types of fighter and bomber jets, and was in the first squadron of the jet era, flying his favorite plane, the F86 Sabre Jet. His love of country led to service during two wars, the Korean Conflict and Vietnam. He finished his military career as a jet pilot instructor at Bergstrom AFB in Austin, Texas as a lieutenant colonel. In addition to two distinguished Flying Cross medals, he received numerous commendations and medals throughout his career.
He met his lifelong love, Maizie Brown, in Georgia and he leaves her in this world after 54 years of marriage. Their military life led to numerous moves all over the world and in later years, continued with short sojourns to many cities all over the southwest. Devoted to his country and his family, he was a loving husband, a wonderful father and a very humble and honest man, with a mischievous sense of humor. His love of gardening, travel, birds and mountains, he passed on to all his family. He enjoyed fishing and it is still believed by his children that after an errant cast on shore from his boat, he holds the Texas state record for the largest cow patty reeled in. He leaves three beloved children Bonnie, John and Joe, John’s wife Mary and four grandchildren, Johnny, Billy, Shelby and Andy, who were his pride and joy. Col. Brandt was interred June 2 at the Santa Fe National Cemetery with full military honors.
The family requests, per his wishes, rather than flowers, a donation to the Paralyzed Veterans of America are made in his honor at www.PVA.org. Memorials may be left in a guestbook at Daniels Family Funeral Services www.danielsfuneral.com.