JOE E. BRANT

 

 

 

 

Joe E. Brant, age, 89, passed away on November 28, 2005, at his home in Leawood, KS. A memorial service was held at the Rolling Hills Presbyterian Church at 9300 Nall Ave., Overland Park, KS, at 11 a.m.,Saturday, December 3, 2005

 

Joe Brant was born on November 3, 1916, near Crescent, OK, the son of Ruby and John Brant. After graduating from Oklahoma State University in 1938, with a major in accounting, he was employed by Continental Oil Company in Ponca City, OK. In 1940, Joe joined the US Navy and was commissioned an Ensign and Naval Aviator in 1941.

 

He was stationed at Pearl Harbor in a PBY patrol squadron on December ?, 1941, at the outbreak of World War II. His squadron was the 1st US military reinforcement went to the Philippines/Australia/Dutch East Indies area after the declaration of war against Japan. He served in the Pacific theater throughout the war and was released from active duty in December. 1945.

 

Joe continued in the US Naval Reserve program, and retired as a captain in 19?2. He was employed by Braniff Airways as a copilot, joining Federal Aviation Administration as a Flight Standards Inspector in 1948, retiring in 19?4 as a Branch Chief.

 

Joe was a member of the Rolling Hills Presbyterian Church, the Navy League of the United States, Association of Naval Aviation, Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, Military Order of World Wars, Military Officers Association of America, Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, National Association of Retired Federal Employees, PBY Catalina International Association, Naval Reserve Association, International

Relations Association, and the Quiet Birdmen.

 

After retirement, Joe devoted much of his time doing volunteer work with various educational and community service organizations, including 25 years of service with the American Association of Retired Persons, tax counseling for the elderly, and many years of delivering Meals On Wheels.

 

Joe E. Brant was married to Esther L. Steele on April 12, 1942, and is survived by his son, Joel Brant of Florissant, CO; daughter, Christina Brant-Phillips, her husband, Joel Phillips; and granddaughter Briana Phillips of Pasadena, CA.