Published in Merced Sun Star on January 3, 2013.

Robert L. Brammer, Colonel, USAF (ret) passed away peacefully in his home in Atwater, California on December 27, 2012 with his three children by his side.

Bob was born March 10, 1929 in Sabetha, Kansas to Tommy and Luverne Brammer. He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Merlin Brammer and his beloved wife of 59 years, Darlene Brammer.

He is survived by his son, Gregory and daughter-in-law, Linda; daughter, Cynthia Kuhle and son-in-law, Rick, daughter, Candace Cease and son-in-law, Colin; brother, Galen and sister-in-law, Ruth; brother-in-law, Darrell Herbster and sister-in-law, Mary; grandchildren, Grant and Seth Brammer, Lindsey and Michael Kuhle and David Cease; he also leaves nephews, Rod Colvin, Doug Brammer, Steve Goolsby, Mark Goolsby, Scott Herbster; and niece Lori Bergman.

In Bob's early years he thought he might be a musician. He played the cornet in the Sabetha High School Band and received a number one rating at the 1946 University of Kansas Music Festival. Bob started college as a music major and auditioned for the United States Navy Band but his fascination with airplanes pulled him in another direction.

Bob joined the Air Force on February 1, 1949. After Basic Training at Sheppard AFB, he was assigned to Weather Observer Technical School at Chanute AFB and then to Aerial Gunner School at Lowery AFB. He became Weather-Gunner on a Strategic Air Command RB50E and remained a combat crew member with the 55th Strat Recon Wing until assigned to Officer Candidate School June 1953.

In 1954, he went to pilot training at Bartow Air Base and Reese AFB. After receiving his pilot wings on December 14, 1954, he attended B-29 training at Randolph AFB and C-97 training at Palm Beach AFB. Bob reported for duty with the 384th Air Refueling Squadron, 99th Bomb Wing at Westover AFB in May 1955 and flew the new Boeing KC-97G Air Refueling Tanker.

In January 1959, Bob was assigned to KC-135 training at Castle AFB with a subsequent assignment to the 904th Air Refueling Squadron at Mather AFB. In October 1962, Bob became an instructor pilot at the KC-135 training school at Castle AFB. He attended the Armed Forces Staff College in May 1967. After graduation, Bob was assigned a combat tour in South East Asia flying the RB-66. He flew 109 combat missions and was awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross and five air medals.

In July 1969, he was assigned to the 52nd Tactical Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem AB where he continued to fly RB-66. Later he became Commander of the 52th Munitions Maintenance Squadron. In July 1973, he was promoted to Full Colonel and was assigned to the 410 Bomb Wing at K. I. Sawyer AFB as Chief of Maintenance in July 1973. With over ten thousand hours of total flying time, Bob retired in September 1976 and returned to Atwater.

Although Bob loved the Air Force, he loved and cared for his family and friends even more. After retirement, Bob maintained interests in community social programs and the Atwater United Methodist Church. He was a life member of the Castle Air Museum, past president of the Retired Officer Association, member of the Air Force Association, member of the Order of Daedalians, board of directors of the Military Officers Association of America, and a member of his church choir.

A memorial service will be held at the Atwater United Methodist Church on Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. with a lunch reception following. At 1:30 p.m. Monday, January 7, a military burial ceremony will be held at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery at Santa Nella, California.

The Brammer family would like to thank the Atwater Medical Center, Merced Mercy Hospital and Bristol Hospice for their care and support.

Remembrances, if desired, may be made to the Castle Air Museum or the Atwater United Methodist Memorial Fund.