Gary Wayne Brandes

Gary Wayne Brandes, age 78, of Jackson, passed away Saturday, April 23, 2022 at his home.

He was born February 25, 1944 in Cape Girardeau, the son of Walter "Cleve" and Irene Kassel Brandes. Gary married Geneva Weber November 29, 1975 at Uniontown, Missouri.

Gary was a graduate of Oak Ridge High School. He was a veteran of Vietnam having served honorably in the US Navy from February 6, 1964 thru December 21, 1967. After returning home from service he worked as a manager at Shawneetown Feed and Seed and then started a career as a truck driver, having driven for Roy Pohlman, Flickerwood Farms, Rollet Brothers Trucking and his last two years for the United States Postal Service. Gary enjoyed hunting, fishing, bird watching, wildlife, and playing with the grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was formerly an active leader for the 4-H Club, a member of the Disabled American Veterans in Cape Girardeau and the American Legion Post in Perryville, Missouri. He has been a very faithful and dedicated member of the Lutheran faith.

Gary and Geneva were very instrumental in organizing and starting the North Cape County Fire Department. He served as the department's first Fire Chief.

Loving survivors include his loving wife Geneva of 46 years; four children, Terry (Pamela) Brandes, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Lisa (Richard) Winter of Pocahontas, Maxine Mize of Pocahontas, and Timothy Brandes of Perryville, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Dustin, Brandon, Katie, Haily, Deven, Kristy, Kali, Nicholas, and Cali; thirteen great-grandchildren; and his brother, L.R. (Janet) Brandes.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial visitation and service will be from 4-7 pm Friday, April 29, 2022 at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson and from 10 am until time of service, Saturday, April 30, 2022.

The Memorial service will be 11 am, Saturday, April 30, 2022, with the Rev. Roger Abernathy officiating, followed with full military honors.

Private inurnment will be held at a later date at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to Saxony Lutheran High School or the Southeast Cancer Center.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the TRIBUTES tab of Gary's personal obituary page at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.

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