Donald Leroy Gandy

Donald Leroy Gandy, 90 of Visalia California, passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2026 in Visalia CA. Donald was born to Dwight Gandy and Louise Koschetz on June 24, 1935. Donald grew up in Lindsay, CA and graduated from Lindsay High School in 1953. He married his former spouse Gayle Marie Luallen in 1957 in Lindsay, CA and together they raised three children, Dana, Regina & David. Donald married Brenda Lee McKinney in 1988, in South Lake Tahoe and together they raised one stepson, Tommy. Donald and Brenda shared a mutual love for their girls (yorkies), Nascar racing, vacations at Pismo Coast Village and hosting family celebrations. While still attending high school Donald was a volunteer fire fighter with the Lindsay fire department. After graduating high school Donald worked for a local newspaper the "Lindsay Gazette" as a print setter. Donald finally found a passion for farming and began working in the family citrus business where he enjoyed a career of over 47 years. He co-managed the family farming company, Luallen Soil Service along with his then brother-in-law and his son David. They managed over 1300 acres, to include family acreage as well as additional acreage of other local growers. After leaving Luallen Soil Service he managed three Cal Citrus Packing facilities for a few years prior to retiring to enjoy more time with his wife and family. Donald was a member of the local Lions Club and enjoyed participating in all their events. He loved to give back and help those who might be in need of assistance. He equally enjoyed his affiliation with the Elk's club. While living in Westport Village senior community Donald served as President of the home owners association for many years. He was well liked by all the residents, or most anyway, because he had the reputation of getting things done. In his younger years Donald could be found on the ski slopes most weekends. Lots of family ski vacations throughout the years. Donald loved cheering on his favorite Nascar driver, Mark Martin on race weekends. Race day was always very spirited, since Brenda was a Rusty Wallace fan. He enjoyed traveling in his RV to a racing event and meeting up with old friends. Donald was a dye hart Los Angeles Dodger fan. While watching a game, he agonized, fussed/fumed at times, but never gave up hope. He is survived by three children, Dana Gandy, Regina Scambler (Jack), David Gandy (Karen); six grandchildren, Shelby Gandy, Josh Scambler, Kacie Scambler, Christopher Martinson (Molly), Cortnie Higareda (Adam) and Kalin Martinson (Stevie); one sister, Betty Beech; his ten great grandchildren; and his beloved Sara Jane (Yorkie). He is preceded in death by his first wife Gayle Marie Wickman and second wife Brenda Lee McKinney; one stepson, Tommy; his parents, Dwight Gandy and Louise Koschetz; one sister, Shirley Clark; one granddaughter Mechelle Gandy and his great grandson Asher Gandy. Donald will truly be missed by all his family and friends. A memorial service will be held at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave, Visalia, CA on February 21, 2026 at 10:30am followed by a reception at the Salser & Dillard Event Center. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity or organization of choice. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Donald Leroy Gandy

June 24, 1935 - January 29, 2026