Norman Wayne Brandeberry

Norman Wayne Brandeberry died April 20, 2012 of complications from major surgery. Norman was the devoted husband of Sarah (Sally) Brandeberry of 60 years and father of three daughters Jackie Drummond, Jenifer Brandeberry and Julia Brandeberry. Norman also had four grandsons: Adrian Wayne and Jacey Allen Drummond, Bailey Brandeberry Tills, and Beckett Brandeberry Bunzli. Born in Russell Kansas on June 13, 1931 to Wayne Francis Brandeberry and Myrtle Ruth Weidle, Norman Brandeberry led a life of character and accomplishment. He excelled in high school academics and athletics. After earning a full scholarship to the United States Naval Academy, Brandeberry chose to remain closer to home by accepting a basketball scholarship to Kansas State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. Norman's life was shaped by his family and his Episcopal faith. Wife Sally was the rock of his life and Norman told the world as much in their travels together. To all, Norman relayed the story of meeting Sally when both were in their early twenties and knowing instantly she was the woman he would marry. True to his word he proposed on their first date, beginning a 60 year love affair. At Kansas State, Norman played college basketball and recalled with pride the groundbreaking racial integration of his team. Kansas State sports would be a lifelong passion, with Norman organizing family outings to Wildcat football games. As he would say: 'Every man a Wildcat!' 'Groundbreaking' and 'wildcat' sum up Norman's career life. He was renowned throughout the United States as an oil wildcatter and groundbreaking developer of oil production techniques. After serving in the United State Air Force as a pilot, flying planes across Europe and Asia, Norman began his professional career as a mechanical engineer then again returned to his family in Russell, Kansas. There Norman founded Pioneer Oil Company and went on to grow the company into a major oil producer. Holding true to faith, family and community, Norman served on the vestries of St. Elizabeth Episcopal church in Russell Kansas, St. Theodore Episcopal Church Bella Vista, Arkansas and St. George Episcopal, The Villages, Florida. Norman was an elected county commissioner and proud to serve as a member of the 1984 United States Olympic Committee that hosted the summer games in Los Angeles. He also served on the Kansas State Board of Regents and was nominated for Man of the Year in Russell. Norman helped lead funding of the indoor football practice facility at Kansas State, which is named in his honor. Philanthropy occupied and still remains a vital place in Norman and Sally's lives. Norman's daughters carry on his legacy of spirit, achievement and community. Each are raising sons (Jackie two, Jenifer and Julie one each) who have been blessed to spend time with and love their grandfather. Norman worked to ensure his daughters maintained a love of God, family, country, integrity and the value of hard work. Each of them, and their children, embody his lifelong values, including his explorer's sense of wonder and adventure. Norm (as his closest friends called him) was an avid outdoorsman and, wanting his family to share in other cultures, purchased a home in San Jose, Costa Rica where the family spent many holidays. In retirement, Norman and Sally traveled the world, residing in Bella Vista, Arkansas and The Villages, Florida before settling near Sally's family in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Norman and Sally spent time visiting grandsons, attending athletic and school events while making sure to attend K State football games in the fall. Leading a life of love and laughter, centered on family and built on faith, Norman Brandeberry, our husband, father, grandfather and friend will be missed so much. We love him dearly. Contributions can be made to the Kansas State University Foundation in memory of Norman W. Brandeberry, Manhattan, Kansas. Contributions will be directed to the Costa Rica program in which students from both the United States and Costa Rica are both supported in educational exchange.