Wendell R Gann

Musician, Big Rig Driver, and avid Train Collector, Wendell R. Gann passed away on January 15th, 2022, at the age of 54 after a lengthy battle with Covid.
Wendell was born on February 24th, 1967 to Charles and Nancy Gann in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Wendell was a graduate of Hamilton Heights Schools and attended Purdue University and Ball State University.
Wendell began playing the saxophone at an early age, and music became a life-long passion. He played with several central Indiana bands, including The Starlighters Big Band, The Twilight Nites Dance Orchestra, Swing Shift Indy, The Indianapolis Symphonic Band, and Hamilton County Community Band. He loved all music genres, but especially Big Band and Jazz. He enjoyed mentoring young musicians and helping with the Hamilton Heights Jazz Band when he could. He played every type of saxophone, soprano, alto, tenor, baritone. His love of jazz brought many friends into his life, some famous.
Wendell was not only a mentor to music lovers, but was also a trainer for Carter Express. He trained and guided many fine truck drivers, who he then considered friends. He made many friends during his careers. He considered all of his work friends family from all of his previous careers as well.
Wendell found great joy in model railroading, mainly O gauge. He was a member of the Train Collectors Association, TCA. He enjoyed spending Saturdays at Mr. Muffins Trains in Atlanta, Indiana, and teaching the people, who would visit the layout, all about trains.
Wendell loved to play practical jokes and always had a smile on his face. He was very knowledgeable about a vast array of subjects and enjoyed playing trivia games, and left his soulmate, Christine, before she could overcome his winning record.
Wendell was preceded in death by his parents as well as his stepfather, whom he always thought of as his real Dad, Wayne Corlew. He is survived by his soulmate, Christine Stiles, a brother, Randell (Clare) Gann, stepbrothers, Tom (Debbie) Corlew, and Tim (Linda) Corlew, a stepsister, Susan (Randy) Rogers, aunts, uncles, cousins, as well as many nieces and nephews. He dearly loved all his family and enjoyed spending time with them at reunions and other family events. Wendell was always ready and willing to play a song or two for anyone who asked. He is also survived by our cat, Finnegan, with whom he had a very strong bond.
The memorial service will be Saturday, February 26th, at the Madison Park Church of God. The address is 6607 Providence Dr., Anderson, IN 46013. Their number is (765) 642-2000. Visitation will begin at Noon and service will begin at 3:00pm. Memorial services will be live-streamed.
Services are entrusted to the care of Hartley Funeral Home in Cicero, Indiana. Their website is www.hartleyfuneralhomes.com. Flowers may be sent to Hartley's, or donations can be made in honor of Wendell to TCA at www.tcatrains.org, St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund at https://truckersfund.org, or to the Hamilton Heights Band Boosters at PO Box 353, Cicero, IN 46034.