Earl Dwaine Sanford

Earl was born on January 21, 1937, in Borger, Texas, to Claribelle and Robert Ray Sanford. Earl, along with his two brothers, Jimmy and Bobby Ray, and sister, Jo, spent much of their childhood in Amarillo.

After graduating from high school, Earl joined the Air Force and served in the Korea War. He returned from the war and married Jane Smith and together they had three beautiful children, Tod, Lisa and Tracy.

Earl spent much of his career operating heavy equipment until he was injured in a road grater accident in 1986. Earl was never able to return to work but spent the rest of his days enjoying many different activities.

Earl married Barbara Bullard Walker in 1975, and helped raise Barbara’s boys: Wade, Geoffrey and Chris.

Throughout his life, Earl had a unwavering devotion to his wife, Barbara. They enjoyed riding dirt bikes, remodeling their mountain cabins and spending time with family and friends. They attended First Baptist Church in Amarillo before moving to Tyler in 2016. Earl’s faith was always an important part of his life. He was a devoted caregiver for Barbara until her death in 2018.

Earl was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara, his parents and two brothers. He is survived by his sister, Jo Lundergreen of

Amarillo; his six children, Wade Walker (wife, Jennifer) of Rockwall; Lisa Young (husband, Tim) of Amarillo; Geoffrey Walker (wife, Bari) of Tyler; Tod Sanford (wife, Kim) of Amarillo; Tracy Sanford Barnes (husband, Clifford) of Garden City, TX; and Chris Walker of San Diego; thirteen grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at Rose Lawn Cemetery, 2003 Blue Mountain Blvd. in Tyler with Reverend Augustine Tharappel presiding.

The family suggests memorials be made to Wellspring, Fransalian Spirituality Center, P.O. Box 440, Whitehouse, TX 75791 or Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701.