Brandt, Howard C., was born in East St. Louis Illinois on November 25th, 1929. He worked for 35 years in banking at First National Bank in St. Louis which later would become Centerre Bank. He attended Washington University and was active in the American Institute of Banking Education Program. He was a Toastmaster for over 50 years and a member of the Missouri Air National Guard for 14 years and was called to active duty during the Korean War. A founder and longtime Treasurer of Credo of the Catholic laity. He was preceded in death by his wife Loretta A. Brandt, his parents Charles C. and Josephine J. Brandt (nee Piat) and his sister Marie L. Steinhardt. He is survived by his two daughters Kristina M. Brandt and son-in-law Kenny Roberts of Bend, Oregon and Gretchen U. Anderson and son-in-law Gregory Anderson of Broadlands, Virginia. His grandsons, Jordan Anderson and Evan M. Anderson also reside in Virginia.
Services: Visitation at Assumption Catholic Church on Monday, May 16, from 10:00 am until time of mass at 11:00 am. Interment in the family plot at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Belleville, IL. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association
We want to thank Howard for being the Founder and the Guiding Light of our Toastmaster club, South County Toastmasters, for 47 years. Howard had a subtle presence and command over the room whenever he was present. He always had the best for the club in mind when leading from behind the scenes. We knew him as a fine gentleman, a great, patriotic citizen, a religious and ethical person, and a devoted family man. Howard was easy to gently tease because of his gentle manner and the fact that he he took it so well. In fact, he loved it. Our club is now reflecting on how to best honor him.
We will miss him, but the club will carry on always keeping in mind how Howard would have done it.
Jim Salih, President of South County Toastmasters.
Howard was dedicated to anything he was involved in, Toastmasters, the township, the church and so much more. His passion was evident in these organizations and I am sure he will be missed by many.
Howard was a great man, leader, and an inspiration to us all. When you consider all of the people he helped through South County Toastmasters over the years, and all of the audiences each of those people gave speeches to, Howard has positively impacted vast numbers of people. Howard will be greatly missed by many!
I knew Howard through South County Toastmasters, the Club he founded. I always looked forward to the meetings when Howard was scheduled to speak because he was such a good story teller. He would regale us with tales regarding his childhood and life experiences with an impish gleam in his eye. Howard was funny, charming, kind and intelligent. Howard touched hundreds of lives through Toastmasters and the world is a better place because of his existence. We already miss him at our meetings, but we will not let him be forgotten as it’s important that we ensure future members live up to Howard’s standards.
On alternate weekends, Howard attended the Log Church in Cahokia and spent many Sundays with us at Denneys while we held our Fellowship meetings after Mass. He was the oldest member of the group and was a shining example for the rest of us. Though over 90 years of age, he never ck needed to sit back during the 20 minutes of the Rosary. As his health failed and no longer able travel to Illinois, many came to Mass saying “Where is Howard “? He was definitely a leader by example. I feel certain that he will be welcomed home with the words “Well done good and faithful servant”.
Howard was the founder and a leader of The South County Toastmaster Club. Through his example, I learned the importance of excellence and attention to details when leading a group to achieve common goals. He was a fun storyteller and had a quiet sense of humor which added so much to our weekly meetings. He was well respected by our Club members and by others within the community. I will miss his presence but his spirit will continue in the hearts of everyone who was blessed to know such a devoted man.
I first meet Howard when as a young man I joined Toastmasters. He was kind enough to assist me in becoming a better communicator. When I was asked to seek elective office,Howard both encouraged me and assisted in my successful run for the Missouri House of Representatives. He was a wonderful friend and will be missed. Thank you, Howard, for your kindness and assistance over the years.
Howard was the face of South County Toastmasters, the club that he founded in 1975. We are all so sad to hear of his passing, but rejoice in the long and rewarding life that he lived. Rewarding to him – the love of his life, Loretta, his children, grandchildren, work, his interests and the organizations he was involved in – but rewarding for all of us who knew him as our leader, mentor and protector of the club he founded. He will be missed, but never forgotten by all of us at South County Toastmasters for his guidance and support.
Howard was an inspiration for so many of us in Toastmasters, including me. He really loved attending those meetings and generously giving advice to everyone, including me, on how we can be better public speakers and communicators. He will be missed my condolences to his family.
Howard was the core of the South County Toastmasters. He paid attention to the small details that made the club unique. He made me very comfortable, and I felt welcome to the club. He had subtle humor. He had a group of friends to run the club smoothly and efficiently. He was a simple family man. Howard was instrumental in my confidence to speak without fear in front of a group of people. Our heartfelt condolences to Howard’s family.
Here is a link to a folder of photos of Howard Brandt submitted by South County Toastmasters:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/wog8toqdPGq7UNpx7
Howard was a tireless worker for Republican candidates at the local, state and national level. In 1997 he was the original Tesson Ferry Township Republican of the Year. He served as President, Newsletter Editor, and a Board member of the Tesson Ferry Township Republican Club. I also salute his efforts for the Credo of the Catholic laity organization and for Toastmasters. He was a good friend and will be missed. I was blessed to know him. I extend my sincere condolences to his family.
John Judd
Howard was a slight-built man with a big heart and focused on making the community a better place. His dedication to making South County Toastmasters the best club in the country did not go unnoticed by its members. Howard’s relentless leadership kept the club strong and vibrant; without him who knows where it would be today. Howard was confident but not arrogant, possessed strong opinions but willing to hear other ideas and always eager to help those around him. I thoroughly enjoyed his personality and I trust he’s still telling stories to friends and family in heaven. Although I haven’t seen Howard in over 10 years, I would often think of him and the club when driving past the Metlife building on Tesson Ferry. You will be missed.