Gary A. Sandidge

Gary A. Sandidge, 95 of Pawnee passed away Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at Eastland Retirement Community.

He was born December 1, 1929 in Pawnee at home, the son of Walter and Cora Taylor Sandidge. 

Gary married Carolyn Zimmerman on March 1, 1957 in Springfield and lived happily together in Glenarm and Pawnee for 66 years.   She preceded him in death on June 1, 2023.  Also, preceded in death by two sisters, six brothers; two nephews; loving pets, Queenie 1 and 2, Maggie and Pixie.

Gary attended school in Pawnee.  He served in the US Army during the Korean War from December 1951 till 1953.  He earned the Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Camp Stars, Combat Infantry Badge, United Nations Service Medal and 1 Oversea Service Bar.  Gary went on the Honor Flight in 2013 with special friend, Cathy Sallenger.

He worked on a farm for 10 years. He served as Road Commissioner for Ball Township for 16 years and owned Sandidge Bulldozing and Excavating from 1965 until 1999.  He continued operating heavy equipment until he was 87. 

He was a member of the Pawnee United Methodist Church.

Gary enjoyed boating, water skiing, snow skiing, snowmobiling, playing classic country music on his guitar, country dancing and riding motorcycles, going to gambling boats and walking dogs. 

Gary had an unbelievable drive and passion for running his excavating business.  He worked for many farmers in Sangamon and surrounding counties and improved thousands of acres of farmland.

Surviving are several nieces and special nephew, Bobbie Sandidge; extended family, Barbara Sallenger, Bill, Cathy, Kayla and Billy Sallenger; Angie and Mitch Bye; and Brooklyn and Mitchell Heer.

Visitation will be from 10am until time of services at 12 noon, Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Bramley Funeral Home, 150 Reichert Rd, Divernon.  Burial will follow at Horse Creek Cemetery in Pawnee.

Memorials may be made to Benld Adopt-A-Pet, 807 Stewart Ave., Benld, IL 62009 or Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd, Springfield, IL 62702.

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