Lester "Les" Gandy

Lester A. "Les" Gandy, age 73, of Battle Creek went to be with his Lord & Savior on Thursday evening, January 21, 2016. He was born in Battle Creek on September 10, 1942, the son of Elwood A. and Ida M. (Weimer) Gandy. Les graduated from Battle Creek Central High School and furthered his education at Kellogg Community College. He worked for more than 20 years at the Calhoun County Juvenile Home and then served in transportation for the Area Agency on Aging for more than 15 years.

Les married Joyce L. Gault in Battle Creek on April 2, 1966; she sadly preceded him in death on September 18, 2010. He is survived by his children, Stephanie L. (Larry) Moats of Battle Creek and Rev. Craig L. (Rev. Kate) Gandy of Pennsylvania; his three grandchildren, Joshua Moats of Kalamazoo, Hope & C.J. Gandy of Pennsylvania, and his sister, Yvonne Robertson of Florida.

Les truly loved gospel music, entertaining people and spending time with his family. He was an award winning gospel music writer & vocalist and produced several albums with the Best Day Yet Christian Music publishing company. Les and Joyce toured the Midwest for many years and several of their songs have been recorded by Gospel groups around the country.

A memorial service to celebrate Lester's life will be held 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at the Calvary Baptist Church, 1625 Capital Ave. N.E., Battle Creek with a time of fellowship to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please consider making donations to Camp Brethren Heights and/or Calvary Baptist Church. Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Les may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.