Brandon Lee McQuillen
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Brandon Lee McQuillen, 35, of Independence, MO, departed this life on Monday, May 27, 2019. Brandon was born on July 21, 1983 in Kansas City, Missouri. The majority of his early childhood was spent in Johnstown, PA and then Raytown, MO. Brandon graduated from Raytown South High School in 2001 and then followed a childhood dream (and both of his Pops’ footsteps) by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps.
As a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, Brandon served as an Infantry Rifleman during many combat missions in both Afghanistan and Iraq wars, and served as a Security Force Guard within USMC Security Force Regiment in Cuba and Spain. During his military service, Brandon received commendations including the Combat Action Ribbon (Afghanistan); Presidential Unit Citation-USMC/Navy; Navy Unit Commendation; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal (W/1 Star); Iraq Campaign Medal (W/1 Star); Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medial (Cuba); Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (4); and NATO Medal-1SF Afghanistan. After eight years of decorated service, Brandon received an Honorable Discharge from the USMC on the 29th day of June 2014. Following discharge, he supported his family by working in the heating and cooling industry.
Brandon loved playing cards with his fellow Marines. He loved playing football, was an avid KC Chiefs fan, and predicted the Chiefs to win the Super Bowl every pre-season. He loved beautiful music and tried to play it on the guitar. He loved spending time with his family. Most of all, he loved his daughter Annabell. She lit up his face like a Christmas tree.
He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Bonnie Waterfield, of Lee’s Summit, MO; his grandfather, Robert Crossley, of Warsaw, MO; his foster mother Donna Mapes, of Johnstown, PA; and his uncle, Joe Crossley, of Overland Park, KS. He is survived by his daughter Annabell, 6, of Blue Springs, MO; his mother, Patricia Marshall, of Belton, MO; his sister, Ashley Huffman, of St. Louis, MO; his grandmother, Barbara Crossley, of Lee’s Summit, MO; his “bonus” mother and father, Dorie and Jeff Crossley, of Raytown, MO; his “Pops”, Gary Mapes, of Johnstown, PA; his Sis, Wendi Mapes-Sokira of Richland, PA; his sisters, Kelli (Chad) Heggem, of Raymore, MO, and Melissa (Blake) Green, of Parkville, MO; his brothers, Robert (Erika) Crossley of Lee’s Summit, MO, Justin (Michaella) Crossley, of Independence, MO, and Tyler Crossley, of Raytown, MO; as well as special nieces and nephews in Missouri and Pennsylvania; and many aunts, uncles and cousins across the United States.
His family is very appreciative of the support, cards, and phone calls from so many during this challenging time, and for the friendship and brotherhood provided by his fellow Marines.
A military service will be held to honor Brandon at 11:00 am on Friday, June 14th at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO. A celebration of his life will immediately follow at 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm at the VFW Post 5789 in Lee’s Summit, MO.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to benefit Brandon’s young daughter, Annabell, which can be made at gofundme.com/sergeant-brandon-mcquillen-fund.
Jeff, Dorie and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love Ralph and Gwen
Jeff, Dorie and all the family: Brandon was one of a kind, that rare individual who touched so many lives — and he’ll be remembered with warmth and fondness. For now, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love and respect, Jim & Marcia
I am so sorry. Many prayers for you and your family.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and with Annabell Love Bonnie McQuillen and family
Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss.
Our heartfelt sympathy to all of you. That is so very sad. He was a great young man. We love you all. Love, Sherry Kyle and Debbie Day.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Annabelle and the family.
Brandon was only a part of our lives for a few years but he still made a special mark with my boys and me.
He will be dearly missed and never forgotten.
Love Katie Lisle
Aiden and Abel
I just loaned him a chainsaw the day before he died. I cant believe this has happened, and this is how I’m finding out. I tought him how to do HVAC, and he was a close friend for many years.
I love you man. I hope you finally found peace.
I am having such a hard time with this and trying to think of the right words to say. We were planning to get together this summer with our family so we could meet Annabell. And that’s gone. My thoughts and prayers are with Brandon, Annabell, the Crossley’s, friends, & his Marine family & all those who knew Brandon and loved him. I’m sorry I wasn’t a great sister, but I am definitely proud of him & proud to call him BROTHER! Forever you will be missed and loved. Until we meet in Heaven.
Brandon was a true brother. We became very clpse the past few years and he trained me in HVAC and made a Huge impact in my life. I saw him a couple days before this happened and he would always try to give me advice in life. He was a hero and a true brother. I will never forget the hours and hours we spent together as a badass team doing HVAC and all the times we hung out. I met his daughter once and she made the happiest man on the planet. Im so sorry I. miss and love you my brotha RIP Brandon Mcquillen.
Patty, I am so sorry for your loss. Brandon was a wonderful person! My heart aches, he was like a son to me. Sorry so late, I just found this out today 1/20/24. Ashley Huffman, I am so sorry that you lost your brother so soon!