Robert W. Brandt

Robert Wesley Brandt, of Staunton, VA, passed peacefully on Sunday afternoon, February 22, 2026, following a brief illness, surrounded by his wife of fifty-five years, Gloria Mayhew Brandt, and family. Known simply as Wes by all, he was 84.

Wes grew up roaming the back roads of Augusta County and commenced his book learnin’ at the Middlebrook Schools, before finishing his education at Brookville High School in Lynchburg, and later Lynchburg College. As a young man, he spent four years in the U.S. Air Force, including a tour in Frankfurt, West Germany, where he once “lost” his car for two months because he could not remember what Oktoberfest town he visited, or Oktoberfest, for that matter.

Wes spent the bulk of his career overseeing goods getting shipped from one place to another, with stints at Weyerhaeuser Co., Smith Transfer, and UPS. He first hooked up with his wife at one of his locally famous parties in the late 1960s at the Spanish house on Timber Lake in Campbell County.

Wes earned his wings and maintained his private pilot's license for over two decades, flying the family to vacation destinations on more than one occasion, including Martha's Vineyard the summer Jaws made it famous and people realized they were going to need a bigger boat.

Throughout his adult life, Wes enjoyed spending quality time with his son, John Brandt, of Staunton, whether they were strumming guitars, chasing golf balls, tinkering with cars, or just sharing a casual meal on a Tuesday. Having locked down Gloria during the height of the hippie era, Wes kept their relationship groovy with some wining, some dining, and even an occasional Watusi dance for good measure.

Wes celebrated one of his proudest moments walking his daughter, Monique Merriman (Jeff), of Richmond, down the aisle at her wedding. On paper, he was her stepfather, but he checked all the boxes as the real deal, and no one would argue otherwise. He was even good for a few Dad Jokes.

A lifelong learner, Wes spent his retirement years watching videos to improve his golf game, freshening up his German with daily Duolingo lessons, and sharing the wonders of country living with his granddaughters, including how to feed apples to cows with an open hand, or a stick, as the first way was like totally gross for little city girls.

In addition to his wife, Gloria, and children, John and Monique, he is survived by two brothers, Philip Brandt, of Jonesborough, TN, and Douglas Brandt (Katie), of Diamond Bar, CA, two granddaughters, Katie Pollock (Ryan), and Heather Thrasher (Randy), three great-grandchildren, Quinn, Parker, and Maddie, all of Richmond, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Becky and Gale Pickford, of Crozet, and his golf and lunch buddy, Doug Coleman, of Swoope.

Wes was preceded in death by his parents, William J. (Bill) and Covie Brandt, of Staunton.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Henry Funeral Home in Staunton, with a reception to immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Appalachian Pug Rescue (77 Julia Drive, Lock Haven, PA 17745).