Elaine Brannon, 85, of Lamar, MO, died, Monday, January 02, 2017, at Maple Senior Living, Lamar, MO. She was born August 7, 1931 in Leedey, OK, the daughter of the late Guy and Opal Pickens. Her marriage to Calvin Brannon was October 27, 1948, in Mancos, CO. Calvin passed away on Nov 15, 2010. Elaine graduated from Mancos High School in 1949 and Cosmetology School, Pittsburg, KS in 1960. She was a member of Oakton United Methodist Church. She owned and operated Elaine’s Beauty Shop until her retirement. Elaine’s love of music was well-known in Barton County, as she was the choir director at Oakton United Methodist Church for many years, played the piano and directed many singing groups over the years including, The Ambassadors, The Little Blessings, (later known as the Super Gang), The Redeemed, and others. Elaine helped to organize the annual Gospel Sing at the Lamar Fair for many years. Elaine was named Beta Sigma Phi Woman of the Year in 1981.

Surviving are: daughters, Linda Coon and husband Jim, Joplin, MO and Connie Pagacz and husband Doug, Lamar, MO ; “Ga-Ga” to 9 grandchildren, Nicole Brannon, Suwanee, GA, Kylie Bourland and husband, Paul, Sierra Vista, AZ; Kevin Gardner, and wife Heidi, Joplin, MO, Chris Gardner, and wife Cathy Jo, Joplin, MO, Kim Bronson, and husband Bobby, Lamar, MO, Katie Johnson and husband, David, Lamar, MO. and Kenlee Jonas, Joplin, MO; Cortney Warren and husband, Richard, Lamar, MO, Travis Waters and wife, Sherri, Webb City, MO. Brother-in-law, George Dale Brannon and wife, Pat, Bella Vista, AR. 16 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin Frank Brannon; sons, Monte Dale Brannon and Danny Lee Brannon, parents, Guy and Opal Pickens, Sister Edna High, and husband, Dale; Brothers: Charles Pickens, and wife, Grace, Guy H. Pickens, and wife, Myrtle, Nephew, Gilmer Pickens, Niece, Sherry Wallace.

Her family honors the memory of Elaine (Ga-Ga) and invites you to visit and share on Saturday, January 7, 2017, from 1:00 to 2:00-visitation followed by the Funeral Service at 2:00 pm at Oakton United Methodist Church, Lamar, MO. Burial will be at Oakton Cemetery following the service. Pastors Kent and Larry Garfield will officiate. Family requests memorial gifts are given to: “Oakton United Methodist Church Building Fund”.

Arrangements under the direction of Warden-Konantz Funeral Home, Lamar.