John L. Brandon Sr (1948 – 2018) played football for Kashmere Gardens Jr. -Sr. High School in Houston, Texas under the leadership of Coaches Matthews, Hendricks, Simon, McGowen, Jones and others. John expressed how these coaches were a great inspiration for him in the development of his skills. Due to John’s accomplishments as a football player, he was selected to participate on the Houston Post’s 1967 All-City Offensive Football Team where he played tackle (# 70) and represented the mighty Rams. He went on to Tennessee State A & I University in Nashville, Tennessee where he played under the leadership of the late Coach John Merritt. There he learned the importance of life: commitment, dedication, and persistence. He completed his education at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas with a degree in Physical Education and also with a teacher’s certificate. A few years later he obtained a Masters degree in History. He taught High School History until his retirement in 1995.

John became a minister starting in the mid 70’s for “The Church of Christ.” This became his passion. In 1983, he and his family moved to Prairie View, Texas where he became the minister for The Church of Christ at Prairie View.   He was a great mentor to all those that crossed his path. His motto as a minister was “Going into all the world from Prairie View.” John loved the outdoors. Growing up as a country boy, John used his knowledge to garden and harvest fresh eggs, fruits, and vegetables to provide fresh food to his family of 9.  He was an avid fisherman and hunter. He not only provided food for his family he also loved to bless others with the fruits of his labors.

 John met the love of his life, Barbara Balthazar at Kashmere High School. They married in 1970 and began their family: Bianca, Twyla, John II, Deborah, Dorcas, Lydia and Judith with an extension of thirteen grandchildren. John’s greatest reward was family!