Obituaries

Bobby Gene Bennett (86)

Bobby Gene Bennett (86) passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2020 after a twenty-year battle with Parkinson's Disease. Bob was surrounded by his wife of nearly sixty-five years, Jane, his children, Karen Prieto, Brad Bennett and Todd Bennett, and four of his eight grandchildren.

Bob was born on June 22, 1933 in Atwood, Oklahoma to James Arthur and Ella Mae Bennett. The family were victims of the Dust Bowl, and became migrant farm workers, moving between Oklahoma and California. Bob's work life began at the age of five, picking cotton. Growing up in poverty, and learning the value and necessity of hard work forged a man who later found great success in his chosen field of coaching and teaching.

Rudolph “Rudy” Raul Garibay (86)

Rudolph “Rudy” Raul Garibay (86)Rudolph “Rudy” Raul Garibay (86), passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2020, in Madera, CA. Rudy was born on July 28, 1933, in Salinas, CA to Sebero and Emilia Garibay. He joined the Navy at the age of 17, where he served in the Korean War., Rudy was aboard the USS Gregory, a 2 battle starship, where he was a boiler technician.

After serving 10 years as active Navy, Rudy was honorably discharged then soon after his discharge an Army Recruiter sought him out. Rudy then joined the Army Reserves where he dedicated another 22 years of service. Throughout Rudy’s life, he was stationed at numerous bases including Japan, New York, Spain, and San Francisco.

Jeraldine (Lucero) Brandt (77)

Jeraldine (Lucero) Brandt (77), a lifelong resident of Madera, CA, passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2020. Jeri was a beloved homemaker, mother, grandmother, and wife. Her maternal nature, forthrightness, and sly humor were traits that were recognized and celebrated by those closest to her. She was a trusted confidante, advisor and cherished friend to many. She will be dearly missed.

Jeri is survived by her husband of 59 years, Kelvin Spencer Brandt, and her children, Troy Brandt, and his wife, Debbie, Todd Brandt, and Trisha Jamieson and her husband Alec Jamieson and five beloved grandchildren: Morgan Brandt, Olivia Brandt, Isabella Brandt, Joaquin Jamieson, and Oleta Petula Jamieson.

David Henry Moosios (89)

David Henry Moosios (89) passed away on April 28, 2020 in Madera. He was born in Fresno on January 26, 1931 to Samuel and Henrietta (Salazar) Moosios. A lifelong resident of Madera, David graduated from Madera High School class of 1949. David was a Masonry Contractor since 1966.

He served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. David was a lifetime member of the Elks BPOE #1918, the V.F.W. Madera Post 1981, and the American Legion Post 11, a member of the Madera County Historical Society and a member of St. Joachim Catholic Church.

Walter "Buck" Bursey (100)

Centenarian Walter D. “Buck” Bursey (100) was born on November 28, 1919, in Alamogordo, New Mexico, to Walter C. and Lissie “Millie” (Short) Bursey. The family eventually moved to California, where they farmed in the Reedley area. He graduated from Reedley High School in 1939.

Buck enlisted in the US Navy during World War II. They sent him for training to the Henry Ford School for diesel mechanics, welding, fabrication. Upon completion of the program, Henry Ford handed Buck his certificate and shook his hand. Buck served in the Pacific Theater on LST 803. After the war, he returned to Reedley and worked for Arakelian Farms as a shop manager, later taking a promotion in 1947 to farm Foreman for Arakelian Farms (Mission Bell Winery) in Madera.