Ronald (Ron) Lee Brammer was, according to one tribute, "a fantastic musician, a generational educator and a preeminent gentleman of the highest order."  Ron passed away on July 20, 2024, at the age of 75.

Ron was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, on January 3, 1949, and graduated from Northside High School in 1967.  He attended Arkansas Tech University and the University of Arkansas and received a Bachelor of Music Education degree in December 1971.  He began his work as a band director in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, before moving to Van Buren, Arkansas, to continue his career.  While at Van Buren, the band program grew and thrived, often heralded as one of the most prestigious bands in the state.  While his professional success will be a monumental part of his legacy, to Ron the most important aspect of his years as a band director was the deep relationships he developed with his colleagues, students, and the Van Buren community.  He continued to foster those relationships throughout his life—a testament to Ron's meaningful contribution to everyone he encountered.  After ten years of teaching, Ron moved his family to Springfield, Missouri and entered the world of school fundraising.  He would continue in this field for the rest of his career, successfully helping hundreds of schools raise millions of dollars to inspire students and enhance their learning environment.  During this time, he continued to positively influence those with whom he worked, mentoring band directors, choir directors and numerous musicians and educators.  Ron also had the honor of directing the Missouri State University Community Band for twenty years—a position that gave him great joy surrounded by people he truly loved.

Ron was an active member of First and Calvary Presbyterian Church for over 40 years.  He served as an elder, Sunday School teacher, and confirmation class instructor.  In his work at First and Calvary, he helped bring the LOGOS initiative to the church—a program that regularly drew scores of teenagers to fellowship every Wednesday. For almost a decade, he served as a chaperone for annual youth choir trips—until sleeping on floors was no fun anymore!  In addition, he helped provide special music for church services, both as an active participant and by inviting friends and other musicians to share their gifts.

Ron married his high school sweetheart, Linda Dunn, on August 22, 1970.  They raised two beautiful children together—Christopher Bryan (born 1978) and Allison Lea (born 1981)—and shared a full life of unconditional love and happiness.  Ron was a caring husband and devoted father, creating a faith-based home, always putting family first.  He prioritized relationships with God, family, and the multitude of friends he made along the way, while instilling compassion, empathy, and a love of music in his children and grandchildren.  Ron epitomized servant-leadership, never missing the opportunity to create new relationships, offering sage advice when asked, and bringing joy and humor to every interaction.  Ron was a living example of godly love, and all are better having known him.

Ron is survived by his wife of 53 years, Linda Kaay Dunn Brammer; his son, Christopher Bryan Brammer (Amy); his daughter, Allison Lea Brammer; his grandchildren Wyatt Leo Russell Brammer, Atherton William Lee Brammer, and Elizabeth Ann Brammer; sisters Carole Ann Brammer Murray and Teresa Lynn Brammer; brother Leo Russell Brammer, II.  Ron was preceded in death by his father Leo Russell Brammer and his mother Ercel Annie McBride Brammer.

Visitation will be on Friday, August 9, from 5pm-7pm at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.  A celebration of life will be held on ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Saturday, August 10 at 11 a.m. at First and Calvary Presbyterian Church, followed by a reception at the church.  A private graveside service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First and Calvary Presbyterian Church Legacy Campaign.

Ronald's Memorial Slideshow can be viewed here.