Melburn Arnold (Sandy) Sanderson, born in Dallas, TX on August 8, 1930 to Dr. Thomas A. Sanderson and Gladys Kischel Sanderson, passed from this life on February 16, 2019 in Houston, TX. When Sandy was a toddler, the family moved to Houston where his father set up his medical practice.
In 1942 Dr. Sanderson enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was stationed at Lackland Hospital in San Antonio, TX. The family resided there for the duration of the war. Following Dr. Sanderson's discharge from the military, the family returned to Houston.
Sandy graduated from Lamar High School in 1948, enrolling in Lamar Junior College in Beaumont, TX for his first year of college. He then transferred to the University of Texas in Austin where he obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education. He later received his Master's Degree from the University of Houston.
He taught physical education and coached football, baseball and basketball at Deady Junior High, Marshall, Bellaire High School, and Lamar High School. He later volunteered as baseball coach at Strait Jesuit, retiring following the 1982 baseball season. Following his retirement from full time teaching in 1962 he entered the life insurance business working for The Equitable, Great American Reserve, Jefferson National Life Insurance, and Allianz.
Sandy played and managed amateur baseball for a period of time, keeping alive his love of sports. While still teaching high school PE, he got the opportunity to referee basketball rather than teach it. He thoroughly enjoyed his years of refereeing and continued for many years after his retirement from teaching.
After his retirement from insurance sales, he became a member of the Harris County Senior Softball League and played until he was 75 when health concerns forced his retirement.
Sandy is predeceased by his parents, son Tom Sanderson, and daughter Pamela Sanderson. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Martha M. Sanderson; daughter Candace Sanderson; son John Sanderson; brother Dr. Terry A. Sanderson and wife, Barbara; three stepsons, James E. Durden of Houston, Guy L. Durden of San Antonio, and Roger W. Durden and wife,Debby of Magnolia; two grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren, and ten step-great grandchildren.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at 1:00 PM at Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home, 4525 Bissonnet St., Bellaire, TX 77401 with a celebration of life service immediately following at 2:00PM.
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