Riley S. Brandon age 85 of Versailles, passed away at 4:40 P.M. on Sunday, July 26, 2009 at Versailles Health Care Center. Riley was born July 3, 1924 in Darke County, Ohio, to the late Charles & Hazel (Stoner) Brandon. Riley was a contractor. He owned and operated Brandon Brothers Construction Company in Versailles. Riley served in the U.S. Army during WWII and received a Purple Heart Medal for his services. Riley was a graduate of Versailles High School with the class of 1942. He played ball for the Tigers.
Riley was an avid sports fan, particularly following all his grandchildren’s activities; he also loved to play cards with his grandchildren. He enjoyed collecting and refinishing antiques; collecting marbles; loved to mow and go to the Sweet Shop for coffee. Riley served on the Board of Directors at Versailles Savings & Loan for 27 years; and served 2 terms for the Versailles Development Association. He was a member of the Darke County Farm Bureau; Versailles V.F.W. and Greenville D.A.V. He was a past member of the Versailles American Legion, Versailles Athletic Boosters, Versailles Music Boosters and Versailles Alumni Association. Riley served on various founding committees for Versailles Poultry Days and was in charge of the group that built the first bleachers at Hole Field.
In addition to his parents, Riley is also preceded in death by his brothers, Kenneth & Ralph Brandon.
Riley is survived by his wife, Jeanne L. (Lyons) Brandon, whom he married January 28, 1950. He is also survived by a daughter & son-in-law, Kimberly & Jim Schulte of Versailles; grandchildren, John, Jessica and Kristen Schulte; and brother & sister-in-law, Richard & Wanda Brandon of Versailles.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at 10:30 A.M. at Bailey Zechar Funeral Home in Versailles, with Pastor Dennis Wheeler officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery in Versailles. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. and Wednesday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. at the funeral home. Military graveside services will be conducted by the Versailles Veterans Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to State of the Heart Hospice or Versailles Christian Church.