Gary Lee Brandt was born on 10/22/1945 to his parents Howard McKinley Brandt and Margaret Bennett in Frankfort, Kansas. He was the youngest with four older siblings: Howard McKinley Jr., Harold Eugene, Margaret Virginia and Jack Roland.
Gary was a survivor of childhood polio, but he never let it stop him or his sense of adventure. As a young boy with casted arms he went down to explore a creek; got stuck in the mud and had to be pulled out by his sister.
As a teenager and wheelchair bound, he went off for fun with his nieces. One day they decided to ride on his wheelchair with him down a hill. They tumbled down the hill together laughing, and he landed with his arms and legs up in the air. In these moments he never lost his humor, sense of adventure and his “can do” attitude.
Gary joined the IRS service center in Kansas City as a tax examiner in 1966 and worked his way up to a high-level managerial position – spending several years in Chicago and ending his career in Washington, DC
Gary met his future wife through a co-worker – his future mother-in-law, Darlene Shea.
While dating his future wife, he took her to meet his family……. Or so he told her. After the trip to the zoo to meet the gorillas, Coleen’s response to her Mom when asked about his family, was “they had a lot of hair!”
He married the love of his life (Coleen Elizabeth Shea) in December 1967 (six months after they met) and spent his life ensuring she was happy and would always be taken care of.
His wife gave birth to their daughter in April 1,1971 and by July of that same year increased their family by adopting 3 more children: Corene Jennifer born: 04/1/1971, Roland Jack born: 07/19/1963 (adopted July 1971), Sandra Lynn born: 10/20/1964 (adopted July 1971), and James Howard born: 12/31/1967 (adopted July 1971).
In addition to their 4 children, he has several Nieces and Nephews including Connie Poston who moved to be near him and his wife -- she has been an integral part of their lives for many years.
He decided to retire from the IRS in 1998 but did not stay retired long. He and a partner formed a consulting firm, working as consultants to George Washington University for several years; he and Coleen started Brandt Travel Consultants in 1997.
Gary’s passion was traveling, having experienced over 150 cruises with his wife throughout the world and loved sharing his excitement and passion for travel with others. One of his greatest joys the past few years was sharing his extensive travel and destination knowledge with the new Brandt Travel team.
Being surrounded by family anywhere was one of his favorite things. His greatest pride and joy were the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.
He served in the Civil Air Patrol throughout high school and college, and even though he could not join due to his disability, was a huge supporter of the military.
Gary was the beloved Patriarch of the Brandt family. He was always there for everyone providing guidance, keeping the family united, planning trips and family get togethers, making sure everyone knew the importance of family and creating lasting memories.
He was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome approximately 25 years ago impacting his physical abilities and making him totally wheelchair bound once again about 5 months ago. His mind and ideals remained as strong as ever and if possible, his love of family and importance of memories being created was even stronger.
He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his wife and other family members on October 10, 2019.
His legacy lives on through his beloved wife, Coleen of 52 years; his children: Roland Jack Brandt (Sara); Sandra Lynn Diaz (Angel); James Howard Brandt; Corene Jennifer Brandt-Rucker (Tom); 7 grandchildren; 2 great-granddaughters and extended family who will all strive to carry forward to future generations the values and love of family he instilled in all who knew him. He will be greatly missed!
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to either:
St Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Please call 800-608-3023
or mail check to
St Jude Children’s Research Hospital
501 St Jude Place
Memphis, TN 33105
INCLUDE TRIBUTE # 11763843
OR
Wounded Warrior Project
Please call 877-832-6997
“In memory of Gary L Brandt”
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