Gerald (Jerry) Denver Bandy, Jr.

East Alton: Gerald (Jerry) Denver Bandy Jr., 78, passed away at 8:48am on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2017, at Alton Memorial Hospital. He was born at the family home in Mulberry Grove, Illinois, on June 26, 1939, the son of the late Gerald D. Bandy and Nelda C. (Schmollinger) Bandy. He is survived by his sister: Donna Laster and his brothers: Larry Bandy (Charlene) and Michael Bandy (Shirley). Also surviving are 3 generations of nieces and nephews. Jerry served in the Air Force after graduating from East Alton Wood River Community High School in 1957. While in the service, he trained to be an electrician on our country's fighter jets. He was especially proud of the work he did on F15s for our military. He enjoyed travel to many countries and worked at numerous military bases until his retirement from McDonnell Douglas. After retiring, Jerry became the local "fix it guy" for neighbors and friends and always had a project tractor or riding mower keeping him busy. He enjoyed many hobbies such as race car driving, hunting, building and flying model airplanes, gardening, exhibiting tractors, collecting all types of antiques and Native American artifacts, but his favorite past time was farming. He was a good neighbor and friend to many and was a fun loving uncle to his many nieces and nephews. He could be generous to a fault with others while at times being very frugal with himself. If he chose to, he could pinch a penny but only after he checked what year it was minted. He was known to be tolerant and patient with children and often was just the opposite with adults. Jerry had a playful, mischievous personality and could greatly enjoy a good argument. He loved animals and was fond of taking treats to the neighbor's dogs. He kept many wandering stray cats fed and made one of them his pet. His cat buddy B.B. has mostly stayed hidden under the bed since Jerry was first hospitalized. Jerry will be greatly missed by his niece Kimber Dixon and her husband Steven, their seven children with whom he had a very close relationship. He was always interested in their particular life goals and talents and always encouraged each of them to pursue their particular passion. Jerry was a fine example to all of holding an excellent work ethic while enjoying life to the fullest. Preceding him in death was brother in law, Charles Laster and his dear nephew, Kevin Laster. Jerry has chosen cremation and requested that his ashes be scattered around a memorial stone at his farm. May his memory be a blessing. In celebration of his life, memorial visitation will be from 10am to 12pm on Saturday, December 2, 2017, at Pitchford Funeral Home, Wood River. Full military honors will be conducted at 12pm on Saturday at the funeral home by the Ritual Team of VFW Post 1308 of Alton.