David Gandy

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Early morning Friday, October 22, 2021, David Nelson Gandy (AKA Hummer) left this world a little early so he could get the next one ready for the rest of us . . . or the next one used to him. At age 71 he finds peace after battling through a multitude of issues while refusing to let them hamper the enjoyment he got from life.

Born on November 4th, 1949, to Bill and Mildred Gandy, he grew up in Joplin, Missouri, breaking hearts and an occasional rule or two. His father passed away when he was a teen, so he spent a lot of time supporting and/or terrorizing his mother, depending on the day you asked her. His life was spent realizing his passions to the fullest.

As a child he developed a passion for music. While his musical career was not as illustrious as his favorite groups, the Beatles and Peter, Paul, and Mary, he nonetheless got countless hours of joy playing and writing on his own, with his friends and family, and with his band, The Cobras.

His passion for family came when he married Carol Gandy in 1970 and with her had his two children, Steve and Mike. He would get a new passion in his last years as he got to meet and watch his grandson Gibson grow.

In 1980 he joined the Joplin Fire Department where he kicked the crap out of fires for a living. He worked there for 22 years, making a lifetime of memories and friends before retiring as captain in 2002. It was there that he would meet his wife Jennifer Gandy, fall in love, marry, and spend the last 23 years of his life with her. It would be the perfect ending for him as they got to take turns taking care of each other.

His passions in life always led to great relationships. If you’ve never heard of scroll sawing, this man could give you a Master’s level course. Always a great handyman, his later years found him a new hobby and more importantly a new community where he found even more ways to share his creativity with the world.

Finally, his passion for God really defined who he was. He spent much of his time trying to learn and share with people the love and relationship he had developed.

He is survived by his wife Jennifer Gandy, his son Stephen Gandy, his son Michael Gandy, his daughter-in-law Lauren Gandy, her son Gabriel Moore, his grandson Gibson Gandy, and his best friend Terry Tracy (AKA Spot), because family meant more to him than just blood. In that respect he’s survived by all of you reading this . . . all of his friends from the fire department, church, jigsaw groups, guitar playing buddies, and the random people he’d make friends with at the store . . . all of you who will keep his memory alive not only by the stories you shared but the way he impacted you . . . and impact many, he did.

Funeral services have been scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 29, 2021 at the Mason-Woodard Chapel. Burial will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home. Joplin Fire Department Honor Guard will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to I.A.F.F for Christmas for Kids in care of the mortuary.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.