James E. Brandt Sr.

James E. Brandt Sr., 80, of Gretna Springs, Manheim, formerly of Lancaster passed away peacefully on Friday, March 12, 2010 at Manor Care of Lebanon following a valiant battle with cancer. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Elam K. and Mary Himmelsbach Brandt. He was the husband of the late Shirley A. Sweitzer Brandt who died in 2003. James was a self-employed vehicle maintenance contractor with Bell of Pennsylvania. He was a graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School and served in the United States Army during the Korean War. James was a faithful and active member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of Colebrook. He was an assistant fire chief and junior advisor for the Southern Manheim Township Volunteer Fire Company. He was also a driver for the Manheim Township Ambulance Association. James also volunteered for Relay for Life and was very active in his community at Gretna Springs, Manheim. His interests included camping, woodworking, collecting Winross Trucks and traveling. He traveled to 48 of the 50 United States.
Surviving are five children, James E. Jr. husband of Betty Brandt of Lititz, Thomas E. husband of Debra L. Brandt of Sayre, PA, Barbara M. wife of Tom Richards of Lancaster, Patrick E. husband of Denise Brandt of Landisville, Christopher E. Brandt companion of Joan Gappa of Gordonville; three step children, Anne wife of Jeffrey Mummau of Marietta, Garry Stoudt and Sherri wife of Brian Molzahn both of Millersville; 19 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; one brother, Ephraim G. husband of Betty Brandt of Manheim and a sister, Catherine B. wife of Fred Augustine of Lititz. He will be lovingly missed by a dear friend and companion, Eloise George of Gretna Springs, Manheim. He was preceded in death by a stepson, Gregory Stoudt.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of Colebrook, corner of Church Road and Colebrook Road, Colebrook, PA on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 10:00 AM with Rev. Jonathan Jenkins officiating. Interment in the adjoining church cemetery. There will be a public viewing at the Buch Funeral Home, 21 Market Square, Manheim on Monday evening from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and again at the church on Tuesday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of service. Please omit flowers. Those desiring may send contributions in James memory to the David L. Broderic Cancer Center, Good Samaritan Hospital, 4th and Walnut Streets, Lebanon, PA 17042 or Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of Colebrook, Youth Program, 58 Church Road Manheim, PA 17545.