William B. Gandin

William B. Gandin, born on July 17, 1921 in Houston (Harris County), Texas, to Jacob and Leona Gandin, passed away at age 97 on March 4, 2019. While attending Reagan High School, he was introduced to the love of his life, Mildred Snowden. They were married on his 21st birthday, July 17, 1942, and celebrated their 76th wedding anniversary in 2018.

Bill and Mildred journeyed together through World War II and the Korean conflict. After this, they settled down in the Oak Forest community in Houston, where, other than a one year sojourn to Tripoli, Libya, they lived for over sixty years.When Bill returned from World War ll service, he enrolled in Rice Institute to study Mechanical Engineering. After completing two years, he transferred to the University of Houston, and while working during the day and attending classes at night for ten years, Bill earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting.

For over forty years, Bill worked for the Exxon Corporation, beginning with the Humble Oil and Refining Company. He started by digging ditches in the oil field and finished working principally in the Internal Audit Department. Two of his favorite assignments were auditing the Exxon Pipeline project in Alaska, and mentoring newly recruited college graduates.

Paralleling his career with Exxon, Bill served a combined thirty-nine years as an officer in Active and Reserve duty in the United States Air Force. He rose to the rank of Colonel, and even worked in positions normally held by Brigadier Generals.

Bill unselfishly gave of himself to the Oak Forest and greater Houston communities. Among his many areas of service, he was a Mason, a Shriner, Exxon Annuitants Club President, Senior Golf “Cactus Club” President, United Way campaign representative for Exxon, volunteer at the Oak Forest Police sub-station, and Oak Forest Dad’s Club coach.

His two greatest service passions, however, were his church and Scouting. Bill served his local church, St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, for over sixty years. He and Mildred were almost charter members, and they faithfully attended worship and Sunday School each week until health concerns no longer allowed them to do so. Bill served every major administrative and many ministry leadership positions during his almost 65 years as a member. Not the least important of his “church work” was his unwavering acceptance and support of each and every one of his pastors.

Bill also loved Scouting. He served as Cub Scout Leader of Pack 604, where he shepherded over 100 boys, sending countless boys into the very successful Troup 604. During this time, Bill quietly provided uniforms for boys whose parents couldn’t afford them. He was very proud that, with his relentless support, all three of his sons attained the rank of Eagle with silver palms. He joined them on numerous camping trips and rejoiced with them during many of their Courts of Honor.

He and Mildred continued their service long after their sons had finished their time as Scouts.. This included trips to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico for advanced scout training and his serving for sixteen years as Scouting Coordinator for the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Because of his tireless service to the Methodist Church and Scouting, he was honored with the rarely-given Torch Award.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mildred, his parents, Jacob and Leona Gandin, his brothers, Francis Alva Gandin and Francis Jacob Gandin, and his sister, Roberta Domaschk.

Bill is survived by his sons, William B. Gandin, Jr. and wife, Robin, Paul S. Gandin, and David L. Gandin and wife, Renee; grandchildren Jennifer Gandin Le and husband, Chris, Brittany Gandin and husband, Justin Miller, Suzanna Hosein and husband Danny, Jacob Kilgore and wife, Leslie, Paul Gandin, Jr., Allison Gandin, and Madeline Gandin; great-grandchildren Felix Gandin Le, Nino Gandin Le, and Eleanor Hosein; sister-in-law Eileen Gandin; along with numerous nieces and nephews and their families and too many friends to count.

The family will receive friends and family for visitation on Friday, March 15, 2019 at Forest Park Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 pm. A graveside service officiated by Rev. Nathan Bledsoe will take place on Saturday, March 16th at 11 am, at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery. Prior to the memorial service, a reception will take place in the fellowship hall at St. Stephen's United Methodist Church. The memorial service, officiated by Rev. Nathan Bledsoe, Rev. Richard White, and Rev. Charles Anderson will take place at 2:00 pm at St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, 2003 W. 43rd Street, Houston.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be given in Bill’s memory to St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, Houston and/or Boy Scout Troop 604 in Houston.