Mr. Brandon Russell Mehrle

Brandon R. Mehrle, a long-time Assistant Dean of the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California, passed away peacefully at his home on Jan. 23, 2013, at the age of 89. He is survived by his wife Miriam of 66 years, his sister Jane Bodine of Cape Girardeau, MO, his son David and his daughter Dana (Mehrle) Emery, grandchildren Julie Emery Bauer and Kevin Emery, and 6 great-grandchildren



Born on October 17, 1923 to Erwin and Neva Mehrle in Cape Girardeau, MO, he served in the Army Air Corps as a Sergeant during World War II. He attended Southeast Missouri State University, received Bachelors and Masters 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 his 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 was a founding board member of the Metropolitan Associates in Pasadena, CA.



A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 9, 11:00am, at East Whittier Presbyterian Church, 14061 E. 2nd Street, Whittier, CA. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the USC Thornton School of Music Annual Fund, 840 W. 34th St., Ste. 4080, Los Angeles, CA 90089.