Gary Wayne Brandes,78, of Jackson, passed away Saturday, April 23, 2022 at his home.
He was born Feb. 25, 1944 in Cape Girardeau, the son of Walter “Cleve” and Irene Kassel Brandes. Gary married Geneva Weber Nov. 29, 1975 at Uniontown.
Gary was a graduate of Oak Ridge High School. He was a veteran of Vietnam having served honorably in the U.S. Navy from Feb. 6, 1964 through Dec. 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, wild-life, 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.
