Thomas Lee Brandon - Born September 4, 1943

Tom Brandon, 80, a long-time Pasco school administrator, died November 24 at the Ciel Memory Care Center in Kennewick.

He was a life-long resident of Pasco having graduated from PHS in 1961. In high school, he played football, basketball, and baseball. An outstanding football player, he was first a member of the team at Columbia Basin College before moving on to Western Washington University where he continued his football career. While he was a member of the team at CBC the squad played in the Junior Rose Bowl. He graduated from Western in 1965 with a degree in education.

In 1962 he married his childhood sweetheart, Carolyn Carter, whom he first met when they were students at McLoughlin Junior High. They were married for 61 years.

Together, they moved from Bellingham back to Pasco where he began his teaching career. He formally retired from the school district in 1999 and then was contracted to oversee building projects, a position he held until 2009, although even after that he was never far from the district's on-going expansion.

His first assignment in the Pasco School District was as a sixth-grade teacher at Mark Twain where he remained for two years before moving to McLoughlin Middle School coaching basketball and football and where, in addition to middle school teaching duties, he taught driver's education at Pasco High School.

From that job, Tom moved on to Captain Gray as an elementary principal before being tasked with the job of opening McGee Elementary School and serving as its first principal.

Next, he moved to the district operations department and in 1993 he became executive director of operations and second in command of the district. During 1993 he did a brief stint as acting superintendent.

Some years ago, a local Pasco resident noted that whenever he had out-of-town visitors, one ritual that occurred while they were in town was a tour of the schools.

While school buildings aren't generally touted as a tourist attraction, it was clear that those who voted to create them, looked at the results of that investment with a great deal of pride -- as well they should.

And no one was prouder of those school facilities than Tom Brandon who oversaw the construction or renovation of several dozen projects. They were his gift to a community that was his home for eight decades. And they will be looked upon as his legacy.

He, and those with whom he worked, had a mutual commitment to provide the children of Pasco with a superior learning environment. The fruits of their labor are on display in every corner of the district. Tom spent many sleepless nights whenever a school levy or bond issue was on the ballot.

Perhaps two of the most notable and visible projects were Chiawana High School and the Edgar Brown Stadium. In addition, under Tom's leadership, significant efforts were made to assure that schools were provided in every Pasco neighborhood, something that was not existent in the mid-nineties. The first step on that path was the construction of Whittier Elementary School.

As the school district enrollment exploded, it became apparent that the small district office facility near Pasco High School was woefully inadequate to meet district needs. Tom was also aware of the fact that administrative offices were not always a popular investment.

As a long-time community member, he recognized the importance of supporting downtown Pasco. As a result, he helped acquire and remodel the abandoned former Sears building in the heart of the business district creating a new district office – a move which resulted in huge cost savings and which also provided the downtown with a strong and viable new neighbor.

Tom was a long-time member of the Pasco Kiwanis Club generously giving his time to help with their many projects. He was president of the Pasco Kiwanis Club in 1998-99. He was also a part of the annual Pasco Invite and a volunteer at the Franklin County Historical Society.

In 1996 Tom was named to the Pasco High School Hall of Fame and in 2020, he was inducted into the Columbia Basin College Athletic Hall of Fame.

Prior to his retirement, he and Carolyn built a home on the Sun Willows Golf Course, and he used his free time to polish his game. Once he stepped away from full-time work, he was a regular among the Sun Willows crowd.

Tom was also a major supporter of WSU athletics and had season tickets for many years. He was on hand both times the Cougars appeared in the Rose Bowl, he attended the Sun Bowl in El Paso, and he followed the team to games at Notre Dame and Auburn.

As a former athlete, he prided himself on his appearance and his robust physical condition until in recent years, his health challenges began to undermine that dedication.

He was the consummate grandfather and was adored by his six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Despite the demands of Tom's professional life, there was never a question that his family was the center of his universe – both during his career and in his retirement.

He was always a presence at games, concerts, and golf tournaments as well as family celebrations and family vacations that created memories for every generation.

Tom's grandchildren and great-grandchildren loved to visit, knowing that Papa was never too busy to play with them and give them his full attention.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, at home in Pasco, as well as two daughters, Jody Brandon (John Becker) and Brooke Dauenhauer – both of Kennewick.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Kendall Sanders, Sterling Swafford, D'Andre McCargo, Braxton Dauenhauer (Carli), Bolton Dauenhauer, and Bronson Dauenhauer as well as his great-grandchildren: Halle Warwick, K'Lee Warwick, Kaden Thompson, and Emmaline Thompson plus numerous nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, and his sister.

A celebration of life is planned for March of 2024.

In the meantime, contributions in his memory may be made to the Pasco Education Foundation – PO Box 3162, Pasco, Washington 99301. For additional information, contact may be made at Pascoedfoundation@gmail.com.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Mueller's Funeral Home of Kennewick. Those wishing to offer messages of condolence through the on-line guest book may do so by making contact at www.muellersfuneralhomes.com.