Gene L. Brandon

Gene L. Brandon, age 86 of Clare, passed away Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at the Pine River Health Care Center in St. Louis. Gene was born the son of the late Glenn and Minnie (Guisinger) Brandon on August 4, 1928 in Logan, Ohio. He had spent most of his life in the Mid Michigan area, and had served his Country in the Army during WWII and Korean War. Gene was united in marriage to Phyllis Sprague on December 18, 1950 in Harrison. He had worked as a pipefitter/welder, working out of Local 85 in Saginaw for over 50 years. Gene was a member of the John Q. Look Masonic Lodge in Clare for greater than 50 years; having served as a Past Master. He had also been a member of the Farwell VFW, the Clare-Farwell American Legion and Alcoholics Anonymous for 63 years. He had attended the Farwell United Methodist Church at one time. In Gene's younger years he loved to bird hunt; he loved his bird dog, "Lady"! He will join his dachshund, "Bianca", which he called "Hound Dog". Bianca followed him everywhere, shared meals, and ate candy with him. Gene would always sneak food to Bianca that she shouldn't have. Together Gene and Phyllis wintered in Florida for several years where he love to fish the inland lakes for Bass. For many years Gene donated his time to inform veterans of their benefits, assisted many with completion of forms to sign up for benefits that they were unaware of. He was "Service Officer" of the year for several years and was awarded many years by the State level of the American Legion. Gene was a great story teller, a funny jokester, and loved to make others smile! He would give his shirt off his back to help others and often to strangers. He loved people and would speak to anyone regardless of their status or what they had, because this just wasn't important to him! He loved and was very proud of his family. He will sadly be missed by all. Gene is survived by his Phyllis; children Gary (Roxy) of Coleman and Rebecca Szul of Farmington Hills; 8 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Gene was predeceased by his brother Earl and a sister Alice Iren Hill. Visitation for Gene will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 at the Clare Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M. On Tuesday evening an American Legion Service is planned for 7 P.M. with a Masonic Service to begin at 7:30 P.M. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, November 5 at 11:00 A.M. from the Clare United Methodist Church with Pastor John Kasper officiating. Burial will follow in the Cherry Grove Cemetery in Clare. Memorial contributions may be made to Mid Michigan Community Action Agency - Clare County Homeless Veterans Program. On-line condolences may be made at www.stephenson-wyman.com

Gene L. Brandon

August 4, 1928 - October 28, 2014