March 1, 1937 – December 17, 2020
Rev. Leon Brandenburg, 83, passed away on December 17, 2020. Leon was born on March 1, 1937, to the late Ruth (Perkins) and Earl Brandenburg in Boone County.
Leon attended school in Terhune, Ind., and graduated from Sheridan High School with the Class of 1955. A year after his high school graduation, he decided to go to college to become a teacher and minister. He attended Ball State Teacher’s College and graduated with a master’s in education.
Leon was an educator at a few different schools, but the majority of his career was spent at Western Boone High School where he taught for 37 years. He was fortunate to have had most of the students who came through Western Boone since he taught government, which was a required class for graduation. Leon enjoyed reading about and studying history. This interest led him to volunteer at the Sheridan Historical Society after retiring.
An ordained Methodist minister, Leon served many different congregations in Indiana. The congregations closest to Sheridan were Boxley, Jolietville, and Christian Chapel. After serving in the Methodist church, Leon also helped Jesse Griffith by serving as assistant minister at the Sheridan Church of God before retiring and ultimately worshipping at the Sheridan Methodist Church. Along with being active in the church, Leon drove for Meals on Wheels and shared his faith with the people he met.
At their five-year class reunion, Leon was reacquainted with Anna Faye Walker, who became his wife on June 10, 1961. They bred and raised American Eskimo puppies together, with Leon continuing to raise them until his death.
Leon and Anna Faye were parted by her death in 2003.
Leon was raised on a farm in Marion Township, and raising livestock was a hobby that he continued to enjoy for all of his life. He primarily raised cattle and hogs, although the farm did have chickens and goats at times. Some of his children’s fondest memories of him are from when they would take their livestock to both the county and state 4-H Fairs.
Leon was an avid sports fan. For years, he had a season pass to the Colts games, ran the chains and the game clock at high school sports events, and enjoyed watching games on television. Leon attended his grandchildren’s sporting events, as well.
After meeting Pamela (Reddick) on a mission trip, Leon married on May 7, 2006. Together, they enjoyed doing daily devotions and going out to eat. They remained active in the church.
The thing Leon was most proud of was his family – especially his grandchildren who called him “Poppy.” Poppy’s grandchildren were fortunate to have a grandfather who taught them the values of faith, family and hard work.
Leon leaves behind his wife Pamela (Reddick); his four children, John Brandenburg (Melanie), Sheridan, Nancy (Ron) Powers, Sheridan, David (Lori) Brandenburg, Plainfield, and LeAnn (Jason) Hopper, Avon. He was a proud grandfather to Sarah (Jonathan) Jensen, Aaron (Leah) Powers, Micah Powers, Kylee Powers, Elizabeth Brandenburg, his great-grandson, Alexander Powers and great-granddaughter, Sybil Noel (whose middle name is Leon’s name spelled backwards). Other survivors include Pam’s family: her son, Jason Sherrill; granddaughter, Taylor Linger; and great-grandsons Nixon and Rory Linger.
A celebration of Leon’s life is planned for 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 19 at the Sheridan Methodist Church. A light lunch will be provided following the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Leon to the Sheridan Methodist Church, 207 E. 2nd St., Sheridan, IN 46069.
Condolences: fisherfunerals.com