Rev. Sandlin

Into the arms of his heavenly father and after completing a long and faithful journey serving his family and God, Reverend Deacon Larry Sandlin, 89, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, December 19, 2013. Larry was born to Virgil and Minnie W. Sandlin on June 7, 1924 in Waco, Texas. Shortly after moving to Laredo with his family, he enlisted in the Army and became a member of the elite 101st Airborne Company. After suffering an injury, he was discharged and returned to Laredo where he met his loving wife, Maria Louisa Gutierrez. The two wed in 1944 and raised one daughter, Shirley. Larry was ordained as a Deacon in the Catholic Church on May 28, 1977, and became the first permanent deacon for the Diocese of Corpus Christi-Western Vicariate shortly thereafter. He was a founding board member of the Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Foundation, where he dedicated 10 years to help better the lives of residents in the Laredo and Zapata communities. Larry was also a board member of the Laredo Community College Education Foundation. He is survived by his wife of 70 years Maria Luisa Sandlin; daughter Shirley Gonzalez and her husband Bob, and well as three grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. The family will receive condolences on Sunday, December 22, 2013, from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels, 719 Loring at Cortez. A Vigil for the Deceased will be held at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, December 23, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, with Most Rev. Bishop James A. Tamayo as the principal celebrant. Everyone attending is encouraged to meet at the church. Entombment will be held at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers and in his memory, memorial donations may be made to the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church Building Fund, 2219 Galveston St., Laredo, TX 78043. In Lieu of flowers and in his memory, memorial donations may be made to the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church Building Fund, 2219 Galveston St., Laredo, TX 78043 You may express your condolences online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com. Arrangements are under the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapel, 719 Loring at Cortez, Laredo, TX 78040, 956.722.0001.