Charles L. Brandon

Charles L. Brandon, 63, passed away June 23, in Billings, Mont.

Charley (one of the names we called him) was born in Spokane, Wash., to Ermal and Reiko Brandon. He spent his high school years growing up in Ephrata, Wash. Charley decided to join the Army (he comes from a military family) and enlisted in 1979. He was stationed in Texas, Germany and Hawaii. He remained until 1982 and ended as an SP4.

Charley then moved to Moses Lake, Washington, and married Deanna Ford. Together, they had two sons, Charles El and Mathew J. Charley, and he raised his sons as a single father, working hard at various jobs to provide for them. He was considered quite the RV expert. I think he would call his boys his “best work.” Some of the “life lessons” that Charley taught his sons, as well as his nephews and nieces, were perhaps unconventional, but good to know just as well, such as Hurtz donuts, monkey lumps and noogies are not snacks you ever want; you never want to be on the receiving end of a buttercup; Doritos make the best nachos; and Whoppers make the best cookies. There might be a lesson or two about swords and band-aids and turning gray means you really are sick. Charley had a kind spirit and a debatable sense of humor. He collected sports memorabilia, especially sports cards, which he traded for even better sports cards. He also was a huge fan of the Gonzaga Bulldogs, Detroit Lions and Seattle Kraken.

His funny, very talkative spirit will be missed greatly. Charley was preceded in death by his mother, Reiko Brandon. He is survived by his son, Charlie Brandon (Ashley), and grandchildren Ashauni, Merique, Rae ‘ko and V; his son, Matt Brandon (Jasmine), and grandchildren Jayla, Janaeya, Jennicka and Evelynn. Charley also considered his sons’ stepsiblings as part of his family, too; Mike, Bob and Ivy.

He is also survived by his father Ermal Brandon; sisters Alice Teitzel (Chuck), Mary Mickelson (Dave) and Donna DeLong (Ken); and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at "The Garden" in Moses Lake on July 29, 2023.