Brandon Dean Rison

Brandon Dean Rison, 45, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026, in Topeka, Kansas.

Brandon was born on October 29, 1980, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Steven D. Rison and Sandra K. (Bernhardt) Rison. He grew up in Sabetha, Kansas, and graduated from Sabetha High School in 1999. Brandon married Martie Lawless on November 17, 2007, in Topeka, Kansas.

During his life, Brandon prioritized learning above all else. He had a passion for learning about and preserving history. He spent his days immersed in audiobooks on American History, presidential biographies, and any piece of historical knowledge he could get his hands on. His lifelong love of books and history led him to his career as an antiquarian book dealer.

His bookstore, Oddfellow’s Fine Books, became known for its fairness, integrity, and respect for rare and first edition works. Brandon was a graduate of the Colorado Antiquarian Book School (CABS) and was a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association (IOBA). He was also a proud supporter of the Friends of the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, PBS, and National Public Radio (NPR). These institutions reflected his belief in lifelong learning and accessible knowledge.

Brandon had an equally deep love for music. One of his greatest joys was attending concerts and supporting live music. One of his favorite places to spend time surrounded by good music and good people was Knucklehead’s, a music venue in Kansas City, Missouri. He was especially proud of his late grandfather, Warren Bernhardt, who was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame for his work bringing national acts, including Dr. Hook and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, to the Jolly Troll in Holton, Kansas, in the 1970’s.

Brandon was preceded in death by his father, Steven D. Rison, on January 2, 2022; his paternal grandparents, Gerald and Darlene Rison; and his maternal grandfather, Warren Bernhardt.

Brandon is survived by his wife of 18 years, Martie Rison; his son, Gavin P. Breedlove; and his mother, Sandra K. Rison; his maternal grandmother, Nelda Rolfe; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at The Parlor in Sabetha, Kansas. The family requests that those attending the service wear their favorite band T-shirt and comfortable jeans. Everyone is welcome to join the family and share stories about Brandon and raise a glass to honor and celebrate Brandon’s life. Memorial contributions are suggested to SPEAK UP or the Helping Hands Humane Society, sent in care of the Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia Street, Sabetha, Kansas 66534.