Launa Collinsworth Brand

Launa Collinsworth Brand, 93, died Sunday, December 21, 2014, at Mesa Springs Nursing Center. She was born June 30, 1921 in Winters, Texas to Rainey and Launa Collinsworth. She attended schools in Winters and graduated with the Class of 1938 before attending McMurry College for two years. During WW II she worked in the Post Exchange at Camp Barkeley near Abilene, Texas, where she met Captain Elias B. Brand. They were married in 1942. Wherever they were stationed she always made a good and stable home for her family. In 1963 Lt. Col. Brand retired and the family moved to Abilene where they joined Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Launa was a faithful member serving with the United Methodist Women, the church Catering Committee, and the annual Rummage Sale. Launa really enjoyed working in her yard and had lovely flowers. She and Lt. Col. Brand also spent many enjoyable hours fishing for catfish and crappy. In any kind of weather she could be found out in the yard feeding the birds and any stray animals that might appear. She was a great cook. She was preceded in death by her parents, seven siblings, and her husband. Launa is survived by three children, Kathy Jo Kroener of Abilene, Jimmy B. Brand and wife Karen of Pensacola, Florida, and Susan Mostad and husband George of Winters; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 23, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church with Rev. Derrell Patterson officiating. Interment will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. In remembrance of Launa, donations may be given to Aldersgate United Methodist Church Food Pantry, 1741 Sayles Blvd., Abilene, TX 79605, or Rescue the Animals SPCA, 4620 North 1st Street, Abilene, TX 79603.