John was the Webmaster of this website an all of the posts made on it were written with care and compassion which demonstrated his love of the EIGSC and the elevator industry. As you read through the meeting recaps, you can hear John’s voice. The EIGSC was very lucky to have John helping with the association and will be missed by us all.
In Loving Memory of John Edgar Brannon September 4, 1934 – March 23,2010
John was born on September 4, 1934 in Memphis, Tennessee to Thomas and Belva Brannon. He was the third child with an older sister Blossom, older brother Tommy and a younger brother Bill. John grew up playing sports, enjoyed academics and was academically at the head of his class. School work came easily to him as he was an avid reader and had excellent comprehension of facts and specifics, which grew over his lifetime; he was well versed in most subjects, current and historical events. He graduated from Christian Brothers
College Prep School in 1953 with honors and tested as the top 1 or 2 in his class each year. In 1955 John went to work for Rotary Lift Company in Memphis, TN (Rotary Lift was later acquired by Dover Corporation, Elevator Division). This would be the start of a 55 year career in the Elevator Industry. He started out as a Mail Clerk advancing to Service Clerk, Service Engineer, Assistant Service Manager, Parts Manager, Service Sales Engineer, and District Manager. John worked for Dover Corporation for 36 years and while there were many ups and downs during that time (sorry, bad elevator joke) upon reflecting on these times he said he loved every minute of it and was fortunate and thankful for the experience and to be involved in an industry that proved to be both challenging and rewarding.
After Dover Elevator, John worked for US Elevator Company and ThyssenKrupp Elevator Company before deciding to go into consulting full time in 1996. Over the years John developed a great deal of knowledge and consulting allowed him to share this knowledge of Elevators with clients and associates in the industry acting as an Expert Witness and performing Elevator Inspections. John is well regarded and was sought out for his expertise. He taught classes and was an excellent public speaker, having served as President of Rotary Club and winning Speaker Champion for his district. John also had a good understanding of mechanical engineering and was fascinated by how machinery worked. He has a US Patent to his credit for Viscosity Control Means for Fluid of Hydraulic Elevator Systems, which remains a major product feature. He was ever willing to share his knowledge with fellow industry associates and friends. In addition, to always being available to answer questions or provide guidance John was an ongoing contributor to ELEVATOR WORLD magazine, where he had numerous published articles.
“I will always remember John for his wonderful knowledge and stories he shared. He will be missed by everyone who knew him,” noted Tom Sybert – C.J. Anderson & Co.
“In an industry populated by far too many midgets, John Brannon was a giant. A man of profound knowledge that he shared freely with others. A man of substance and integrity who will be sorely missed by those of us whose lives he touched in a gentle manner,” shared Patrick A. Carrajat
John so loved his family. He and his wife Doris complemented one another beautifully and have enjoyed a very good life together, they shared a passion for golf, travel and worked together during the years that John did consulting work, as well as serving as officers together in the Elevator Industry Group of Southern California. Together they raised 4 children; John Brannon, Jr., Thomas Brannon, Cynthia Brannon-Gessler, and Sean Brannon. John was a dedicated father who was always there for the family and provided many life lessons both verbally and most importantly by the example of the honorable life he lead. He was a true gentleman and was proud of the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. John is also survived by his 6 grandchildren Rebecca Brannon, Steven Brannon, Rachel Gessler, Julia Brannon, Sarah Gessler, and Henry Brannon. Family gatherings often had Grandpa reading to his grandchildren or teaching them how to throw a ball or sharing how something worked. Birthdays and holidays were very special. The grandchildren looked forward to their time together. John had a passion for music and could play the guitar, he loved to play and sing. The family has cherished memories of him playing the guitar when his kids where younger and at family gatherings with the grandchildren.
John Brannon (aka The Elevator Man – aka Dad, Pop, Grandpa, Teacher, Coach, Mentor, and Best Friend) with his warmth, generosity and honesty will be forever missed by his wife, children, grandchildren and friends. May he rest in peace as he hears the angels sing.
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