Gary Lee Brandell, 53, Walker, went to be with Jesus on Feb. 10, 2011. He was born in Sacramento, CA, on Jan. 14, 1958, to Douglas Dale Brandell and Joyce Kay (Endicott) Brandell Fitz, who preceded him in death.
Gary married his high school sweetheart, Vicky Lynn Collins, on June 14, 1975. Two children were born to their 35-year union, Angela Christina (Brandell) Dobbs and Nicholas Lee Brandell.
Gary was a member of The First Assembly of God Church in El Dorado Springs and helped teach a Wednesday night boys' class.
Gary loved his family and worked hard to provide a good life for them. His carpenter skills and creative talent was evident in the homes he built. He was a generous man and spoke with pride about his daughter, Angela. He taught the drywall finishing skill to several men, including his son, Nick.
Gary was the happiest when he was camping or fishing with his family. He also had a passion for deer hunting and never missed getting a deer.
He spent many years as a member of the International Union of Painters & Allied Trades. He served as the Business Representative of Local Union 203 in Springfield for three years, completing classes at the Union Labor Law College in Maryland.
Survivors include his daughter, Angela Christina Dobbs and husband, Scott – Hobe Sound, FL; his son, Nicholas Lee Brandell – El Dorado Springs; three brothers – Dennis Brandell and wife, Karen - Stockton, Mark Brandell - Stockton, Clinton Brandell - Jerico Springs; a sister, Amanda Savage – Stockton; and a four-year-old granddaughter, Chelsea Nicole Brandell, the bright spot in Gary’s life.
His absence from this life is heaven’s gain and he will be greatly missed.
Services were held Feb. 15 at the First Assembly of God Church in El Dorado Springs with Dana Taylor officiating. Sherice Norman and the First Assembly of God Worship Team provided music. Burial followed in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were: Scott Dobbs, Mike Alexander, Andrew Reasoner, Joel Reasoner, Brian DeValle, and Tim Norman. Honorary pallbearers were: Jay Collins, Bill Eames, Richard Babcock, Calvin Collins, Austin Taylor, Alvan Reasoner, Terry Landis, Ed Brooks, and other men from the First Assembly.
Online condolences may be left at: www.blandhackle man.com.
