Barbara Jane (Martin) Brandon

Barbara Jane (Martin) Brandon passed away March 18, 2024, in Kingsland, Texas, at the age of 75, surrounded by family and her puppy dogs.  Barbara was born to Fay H. Martin and Esther Martin, May 25, 1948, in San Antonio, Texas. 

Barbara is survived by her long-time soulmate, Roy Seaton of Kingsland, Texas, son Jon Dawe and wife Julie of Waco, Texas, son Martin Dawe and wife Sandra of Canyon Lake, Texas, and daughter Tammie Brandon of Round Rock, Texas.  Granbar, as she will always be remembered, was blessed with 7 grandchildren Dominick Wright, Thomas Dawe, Kiara Wright, Andrew Mills, Ariel Wright, Conner Klein, and Ethan Baker, 3 great-grandchildren Asher, Kian, and Serenity, brother Neil Martin and wife Louise of St. Hedwig, Texas and brother William (Bill) Martin of Midland, Texas.

Barbara was preceded in death by her former husband and father of her children Jon and Martin, Thomas (Tommy) Dawe; husband and father of Tammie, Leonard Norris (Buddy) Brandon; parents Fay H. Martin Sr. and Esther Martin, and brothers Fay Martin Jr. and Ray Martin.

Barbara graduated from Harlandale High School in 1966, then quickly embarked on both her college education and her married life.  Barbara had a fulfilling career that began after she graduated with a degree in Education from Southwest Texas State University. She initially dedicated her time to being a stay-at-home mom before setting out on a professional journey as a secretary at Warm Springs Rehabilitation Hospital in Ottine, Texas.

She later served as the secretary and dispatcher for Goetz Services in Gonzales and then became the administrative assistant to the director of Care-Inn in Gonzales.

Driven by her passion for healthcare, Barbara pursued further education and eventually became a Nursing Home Administrator. She dedicated 20 years to this role, serving at various facilities across the state. Even after retirement, Barbara’s commitment to education and caregiving persisted as she spent several years substitute teaching in Gonzales and Marble Falls.

Barbara grew up in the Harlandale United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir.  After marrying Tommy Dawe and moving to Gonzales, she transferred to the First United Methodist Church in Gonzales where she was a member and sang in the choir for many years. Just as she was proud of her church affiliation, she was honored to be a Lifetime Member of the Order of the Eastern Star and as a widower of Leonard “Buddy” Brandon, a member of Gonzales Lodge No. 2413, Order of Elks.

She had an accomplished green thumb, and enjoyed being outside, camping and fishing.  She was an avid reader, cooked delicious meals and enjoyed music.  Even in her final days, she was sharing recipes from memory, how she longed to sing ‘How Great Thou Art’ at one more class reunion and spoke of “the big fish she caught, that Roy let get away”. 

Barbara’s legacy is one of hard work, dedication, and a deep-rooted commitment to caring for others.

She will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Please join us April 27, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. for a Memorial Service held at the First Methodist Church, 426 St. Paul St., Gonzales, TX. In lieu of flowers, if so moved, please consider a donation made in Barbara Brandon’s name to the charity of your choice.