Othel George Sanford, Jr.
Othel George Sanford, Jr. was born on January 4, 1945, in Kingsville, Texas, and passed away peacefully on June 15, 2024, in Mason, Ohio. He was 79 years old.
A long time Katy resident, Othel moved to Katy, Texas, during his freshman year of high school. He played football while in high school and was forever a Katy Tiger fan. After graduating from Katy High School (Class of 1963), he joined the Army and trained at Fort Knox as a turret mechanic. He served his country honorably in Korea from 1966 to 1968. Upon discharge from the Army, Othel returned to Katy where he married and raised his three girls.
Othel had a lifelong passion for automobiles. In his younger years, he loved racing cars, and later, he channeled his passion into a successful business, operating Sanford’s Automotive in Katy, Texas for over 40 years. As he built the business, Othel worked at Cameron Iron Works and taught small engine classes at Katy High School. Othel used his talents to generously help countless friends and fellow Christians over the years.
During his teenage years, Othel and his family worshiped with the Christians at the Spring Branch church of Christ. He remained a dedicated member of the Fry Road church of Christ before attending services at the Cy-Fair church of Christ with daughter Heather.
Othel was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2019 and was able to remain in the home of his daughter Heather with support from loving caregivers Gayle Westmoreland and Lucy Painter. Later, Othel moved to a memory care facility in Ohio near daughters Amy and Sarah where he enjoyed regular visits from his grandchildren.
Othel was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred Irene Sanford; father, Othel George Sanford Sr.; and sisters, Barbara Freeman and Sandra Jackson.
He is survived by three loving daughters: Amy Hammond of Mason, Ohio, Heather Bergman of Cypress, Texas, and Sarah Lyon of Blanchester, Ohio; cherished grandchildren: Noah Hammond, Jonah Hammond, Mark Bergman, Sophie Lyon, and Parker Lyon; great-grandson Oliver Bergman; brother Gary Sanford; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
A visitation will be held on Monday, July 8, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in the Schmidt Funeral Home Chapel located at 1344 West Grand Parkway South Katy, Texas 77494.
Those wishing to make memorial gifts may do so to the Alzheimer's Association, https://act.alz.org/site/Donation, or Suncrest Hospice, 9050 Centre Pointe Dr, Ste 100, West Chester, OH 45069.

Schmidt Funeral Home
1344 W. Grand Parkway South ~ Katy, Texas 77494 ~ (281) 391-2424