George A. Sartor

George Asa Sartor, 85, of Victoria, Texas died peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, April 9, 2016. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte, children, Greg (Patty), Julie (Charles), Joan (Matt), John (Deena), Gigi (Toby), 16 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, his namesake Asa and sister, Lillie Sue Knekow. He was preceded in death by his son, George B. “Scooter” and brothers, Robert, Tom and Tim.

George had a full life. He was married to the love of his life, Charlotte Sartor for 62 years. He participated in the Navy ROTC while at Rice University and was a member of the Rice Owls football team. He served in the Army as a Counter-Intelligence Officer and retired with the rank of Major. He served several tours in Vietnam and travelled the world with his family in tow. His second career was at Brown & Root Construction Company. He managed many plant construction projects around the world, including Oman, Syria, Venezuela, the islands of the Lesser Antilles and Caribbean. After his retirement he enjoyed spending time with his family and touring the U.S. in his Bounder 40ft motorhome. He volunteered his motorhome for the Law Enforcement Officers’ Special Olympics Torch Run for many years. He was an enthusiastic member of the NRA and enjoyed all forms of shooting sports. George was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. He enjoyed singing church hymns and being an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist. While living in Mobile, Alabama, George was a 4th degree Knight of Columbus and an active member of the Little Flower Church community. He enjoyed singing in the choir with his beautiful voice and gave generously of his time doing extensive church renovation and rebuilding the church organ.

For George, family was a priority as well as education. He was well-read, extraordinarily intelligent, and organized. When asked what time it was, he would tell you how to build a watch. Woe to you if you ask for help with a math problem, he would start with Socrates and end with Einstein. His children were expected to attend college. If you were a friend of his children, you were a part of his family and welcome at his dinner table. He could fix anything, taught his children how to do car maintenance and often helped fix the cars of his children's friends.

George was a kind and genuine person who knew no strangers and always made time to have meaningful conversations. George’s insight into life’s challenges was a resource that he generously shared with anyone who would listen. He enjoyed grilling and was king of the brisket. He had beautiful handwriting and used it to write letters full of love and encouragement to his family from overseas. To receive a handwritten letter from Dad was a treasure. He was a true gentleman who taught his sons to carry a handkerchief, saying “it’s not for you, but to give away” and taught his daughters to demand excellence in a suitor. Dad, we miss you and know you are enjoying heaven. We are looking forward to seeing you again on the other side.

“A death is not the extinguishing of a light, but the putting out of the lamp because the dawn has come.” Tagore

Visitation will be held Friday, April 15, 2016, from 5-7 PM at Rosewood Funeral Chapels. The Rosary will be recited, Saturday, April 16, 2016, at 9:30 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery with Full Military Honors under the auspices of the Victoria Veteran's Council. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Food Bank of the Golden Crescent, http://www.victoriafoodbank.org/ or a charity of your choice.