Brandon Steven Thulon, 18, of Troy, Illinois, born October 16, 1988 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, died August 7, 2007 at the St. Louis University Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri.

Curiosity drove Brandon to read and to experience his world in an independent unconventional and determined way. A rich, deep inner awareness and sensitivity created a hunger for knowledge and self understanding. He loved to write and draw and create images with language and pictures. Brandon graduated from Triad High School in May of 2007 and was presently enrolling in Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville.

Those who knew him came to understand just how serious and rich his inner world was-unforgettable to those curious souls who opened themselves to his person. His capacity for depth was not outdone by an imaginative sense of humor. This quality he carried drizzled into his personal relationships, which were always vital, deep, and abiding. He had great regard for his friends and took gentle care of them, especially his two sisters and best friend, Steven Metzger. He was greatly beloved by those he touched.

This, in turn, led to a desire to understand how to fit into the world and make it a better place through his own unique contribution. His desire was to become a journalist and travel the world. In Brandon's short life, he overcame many obstacles. He would want his name to be associated with giving. He would want to be remembered by a living, giving memorial for those who experience similar challenges. Hence, the Brandon Thulon Memorial Fund is born.

Brandon is survived by his parents Master Sergeant Steven Thulon and Shelley Gearheart-Thulon of Troy, Illinois, two sisters, Cara And Taylor Thulon of Troy, Illinois, his maternal grandparents Jerry and Sharyl Gearheart, St. Paris, Ohio, paternal grandparents, Victor and Sharon Thulon, Juliaetta, Idaho, his uncle Mike Gearheart, Comer, Georgia, his aunts, Karie Thulon-Klim, Santa Rosa, California,Mona Gearheart-Kite, West Liberty, Ohio, Deanna Thulon Lea, Walla Walla, Washington, cousins Michael Garrison, Olympia, Washington, Rebecca Lea, San Diego, California, Kaitlyn, Kylee, Kasey Kite all of West Liberty, Ohio.

VISITATION HOURS: Friends may call at the Laughlin Funeral Home after 4:00 P.M. on Monday, August 13, 2007.

FUNERAL SERVICE: will be at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, August 14, 2007 at the Laughlin Funeral Home "Chapel" with Edward Langen officiating. Burial will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Brandon Thulon Memorial Fund, District 118 Educational Foundation, 105 West "A" Street, Belleville, Illinois 62220.

Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.laughlinfh.com/