Raymond S. Brandes (January 2, 1924 – April 16, 2014) was an American archeologist and historian.
His work focused specifically on the American West as well as on his hometown of San Diego.
[2] He served in the United States Army for six years during World War II.
During his time as a student, his aunt, niece, and first wife were killed by a drunk driver, leaving himself and his infant daughter as the sole survivors.
[1] While working for the National Park Service, Brandes conducted an archeological survey of the San Carlos Indian Reservation, during which he excavated one of the earliest Hohokam ball courts, built in approximately 700-1200 AD.