Richard L. Brand

HITCHCOCK – Mr. Richard Lee Brand passed from this life Tuesday morning, December 2, 2008, at his home.

     Born August 1, 1946 in San Antonio, Texas, Mr. Brand had been a resident of Hitchcock for 8 years, previously of Pasadena and had been a longtime resident of Galveston.  He served in the US Coast Guard during Vietnam, had attended the University of Texas and was a graduate of Oral Roberts University and Abundant Life School of Ministry.  His working career included years spent on the railroad at the Galveston Wharves, and afterwards in the transportation department for Galveston ISD, Friendswood ISD and Santa Fe ISD before retiring.  He had covered many miles as a charter bus driver and served as a missionary in Mexico for 8 years, proudly preaching the Gospel wherever he went.

     He was preceded in death by his father, Arno Brand; sister, Kay Tomlin; first wife, Phyllis Brand and his granddaughter, Emma Marie Brand.

     Survivors include his loving wife, Luz Marie Brand; children, Arno A. Brand and wife, Julie, Aaron D. Brand, Xavier Eli Perez, Mark Garcia, Michelle Valerio and husband, Alex, Pete Garcia, Jr. and wife, Tina; sister, Ellie Sauceda and husband, Oscar; grandchildren, Pedro Garcia, III, Bianca Valerio, Alex Valerio, Jr., Amanda Brand and Celeste Garcia.

     Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 6, 2008, at First Baptist Church of Hitchcock, Pastor Leonardo Diaz officiating.  Interment will follow at Galveston Memorial Park in Hitchcock under the direction of Hayes Funeral Home.

     Casketbearers will be Arno A. Brand, Aaron D. Brand, Mark A. Garcia, Pete Garcia, Jr., Xavier Eli Perez and Alex Valerio.