Brandon Mehrle

WHITTIER, Calif. -- Brandon R. Mehrle, 89, of Whittier, a longtime assistant dean of Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California, passed away peacefully at his home Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013.

He was born Oct. 17, 1923, in Cape Girardeau to Erwin and Neva Mehrle.

Brandon was a sergeant in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He attended Southeast Missouri State University, received bachelor's and master's degrees in music at Northwestern University and did graduate work at the USC School of Performing Arts.

Brandon directed high school and college choirs in Burlington, Iowa, and was an assistant professor at Montana State University before locating to Los Angeles to begin his career at USC. He retired from USC in 1989.

He was accorded many honors for dedication to his work, students, faculty and others. He was a member of Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society and Skull and Dagger Honor Society at USC. In 1989 he received the USC President's Award for staff achievement. In 2002 he received the Distinguished Service Award for Distinction to the University at Southeast Missouri State University.

For many years he served as co-chairman of the Metropolitan Opera Western Regional Auditions, and in 1972 he was a founding board member of Metropolitan Associates in Pasadena, Calif.

He is survived by his wife Miriam of 66 years; a sister, Jane Bodine of Cape Girardeau; a son, David; a daughter, Dana Mehrle Emery; two grandchildren, Julie Emery Bauer and Kevin Emery; and six great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at East Whittier Presbyterian Church, 14061 E. 2nd St. in Whittier.

Announcement courtesy of Ford and Sons Funeral Home.