News

Local Pastor Passes Away at 76: Pastor Randall Brannon

MADERA - Randall Lester Brannon, known as Randy to all who knew and loved him, was a man of unwavering faith and boundless love. Born on December 5, 1947, in Lindsay, California, to Lester and Hilda Brannon, Randy's life was marked by a commitment to his family, faith, and community. Surrounded by loved ones, Randy met his Savior on Monday, January 29, 2024, after battling Multiple Myeloma and its effects for 5.5 years.

Randy's early years in Lindsay laid the foundation for a lifetime of excellence and service. A 1966 graduate of Lindsay High School, he shined both academically and athletically as an outstanding student and basketball player. His passion for the sport continued at the College of the Sequoias in Visalia, where he played for two years before transferring to the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy. There, he met his bride-to-be, Sarah Lewis (also a pharmacy student), and graduated with honors in 1972. After graduating, he began a distinguished career as a registered pharmacist, and in January of 1973, he and Sarah were wed at the UOP chapel, beginning their 51-year adventure together.

Deacon James Jackson (89)

Deacon James Jackson (89) went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday January 9th, 2024. Mr. Jackson was born on March 25, 1934, in Bienville, Louisiana, to Henry Warren Jackson and Fannie Beatrice Quarles. Those who preceded him in death, his parents, his brothers Willie Jackson, Theodus Jackson, Theron Jackson, Joe Jackson and Sisters Silver Lee Nears and Fannie Hart.

James Accepted Christ at an early age in Bienville, Louisiana. He was ordained as a Deacon at Greater St John Baptist church in San Jose, CA. Where he served for years and mentored many young men coming up in the church.

Stephen “Steve” James Sagouspé (78)

Stephen “Steve” James Sagouspé (78), a true family man first and foremost, passed away on January 6, 2024, after a short illness. Born on August 29, 1945, in Madera, California, Steve was known as a kind, friendly, and thoughtful man who loved spending time with his family. His warm demeanor, sense of humor, and generous spirit will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, and the Madera community.

Steve was the beloved husband of Nadine Sagouspé for 58 years. The loving couple ate dinner by candlelight every night, never running out of things to talk about. He was a devoted father to Kirk Sagouspé, his wife Vicki, and Heather Cappola and her husband Matthew, and was extraordinarily proud of his children and their endeavors. His role as a cherished grandfather to Kenan, Tanner, and Sydney brought him immeasurable joy. He treasured his time with his family and never missed an opportunity to celebrate holidays, birthdays, and milestones or engage in activities with his grandchildren.

John “Steve” Copland (75)

John “Steve” Copland (75), a much-loved father and adored friend, passed away after a brief illness on January 7, 2024. Steve was born the eldest of five children on March 10, 1948, to John and Juliette Copland of Madera. A graduate of Madera High (‘66) and Fresno State University, Steve spent over 40 years helping his community as a partner at Seabury, Copland & Anderson, an independent insurance agency his father (and mentor) co-founded in 1939. Following his recent retirement, Steve was very proud that his son John would continue their legacy as the 3rd generation to lead the family business.

Steve took great pride in being a Maderan and showed it daily, even collecting roadside litter, returning shopping carts, or hand-painting over graffiti. He lived his life with a deep sense of civic responsibility. He participated in numerous municipal activities, from acting as a founding member of the Madera Downtown Association to sitting on the board of the Madera Arts Council.

Mark Garcia (80)

Mark Garcia (80) of Madera passed away on December 11, 2023, after a brief illness in a Fresno hospital. Mark was born on July 2, 1943, in Yakima, Washington. His parents were Mary Rodriguez and his stepfather, Martin Rodriguez.

Mark was raised in the Yakima area of Washington State, where he attended schools, played baseball, and wrestled in high school. He graduated from Wapato High School in 1961. In high school, he met his first wife, Ruth Salazar, before he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1962.

Sally Caglia (76)

FRESNO - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sally Caglia, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Born on April 20, 1947, in Fresno, California, Sally peacefully departed this life on December 10, 2023, in her home, surrounded by the warmth and love of her children.

Sally attended Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, San Joaquin Memorial High School, and Fresno City College. She worked in her family’s businesses all her life. Starting at a young age as a cashier at Orange Avenue Disposal and ending as the Executive Assistant at the Electric Motor Shop, Sally worked tirelessly to ensure the viability and success of the Caglia family’s commercial legacy and its philanthropic contributions to the Fresno community.

Norma Jean Vaughn (81)

Norma Jean Vaughn (81) was born to John and Ruby Edwards on January 19, 1942, in Watonga, Oklahoma. The church was integral to the Edwards family, and like her other nine siblings, Norma was baptized at a young age at Ebenezer Apostolic Church in Madera.

As a young lady, Norma enjoyed shadowing her mother in the kitchen. She learned how to cook and bake, which became her signature pastime. Norma attended Pershing Elementary School and Thomas Jefferson Junior High School before graduating from Madera Union High School in 1960. Following graduation, she attended Fresno City College.