On January 2, 2020, Bill Brandecker passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 98. The full obituary can be found at https://www.columbiamissourian.com/obituaries/family_obituary/edward-william-brandecker-jr-july-jan/article_ba845044-2fe3-11ea-88fc-1b35acef78f2.html. Excerpts from his obituary follow:

Bill was born in Marshall, Missouri, and was the only child of Clara and Edward Brandecker. He served in the Air Force in World War II, and was distinguished with the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroic service in the line of duty when he returned his crew from a mission despite the loss two engines and inclement weather.

Bill married Betty Hinnenkamp on November 30, 1946, and was married for 53 years before her death in June 2000. He graduated from University of Missouri Law School in 1950, and served as an assistant prosecuting attorney before opening his own law practice that lasted over 60 years in Columbia.

Services include a funeral prayer vigil at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 903 Bernadette Drive, with family receiving visitors there from 5 to 7 p.m. A mass of Christian burial will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 at Our Lad y of Lourdes Church, followed by a military service at Columbia Cemetery concluding with a luncheon for all guests at the church.