Michael Ray Brann of Lawrence, Kansas, departed this life on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at the age of 67. He was born January 28, 1957, in Little Rock, Arkansas, the son of Benjamin Sanford Brann, III and Elwanda (McNutt) Brann.
Michael graduated from Shawnee Mission High School in Overland Park, Kansas in 1975.
Following high school, he attended the University of Kansas where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business in 1979 and later went on to earn a double Masters in Business and Marketing from Webster University in Webster Groves, Missouri.
Michael was an executive for Toyota and Lexus for more than 25 years. He worked for the Toyota Motor Company and traveled extensively throughout the United States with his career and he and his family relocated many times making their homes, from Maryland to California. On the occasion of his 10th work anniversary, he organized a trip to Japan, and a few lucky winners were able to accompany him on the trip. According to Michael, the Japanese treated them with utmost hospitality and kindness during their visits.
Michael loved music and learned to play the guitar in college.
He was a talented athlete who enjoyed playing a variety of sports, but he was an especially talented ice skater. Unbeknownst to his parents loved ice hockey. Michael enjoyed baseball, golf, and basketball. Running cross country and track were also a passion of his, with his preferred race being the half-mile. He had a competitive spirit and thrived on winning; whether it be a game of bridge or a round of golf. As an adult, Michael earned a black belt in Taekwondo.
He was a talented woodworker and could make or repair anything. Michael was an avid outdoorsman, who especially enjoyed fishing for salmon and halibut in Alaska, and bird hunting.
He had a larger-than-life personality, always sporting a smile and offering a kind word to anyone he met. Michael had a generous and kind-hearted nature and was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. He possessed a genuine love for people, and as a result, was loved by many.
His family was the most important thing to him, and he loved them dearly.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife and soulmate, Sheryl Snyder Brann of Lawrence; one son, Christopher Brann of Lawrence; one daughter, Catherine Brann Trammell and husband, Brent, of Eudora, Kansas; one brother, Dr. Ben S. Brann IV of Arlington, Texas; and a lifetime of friends.
Friends may visit at Jackson’s Newport, Arkansas Funeral Home, on Sunday, May 5, 2024, from 5:00-6:00 p.m. Graveside memorial services will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at Swifton Cemetery.
