Anthony Joseph Sandifer

Anthony Joseph Sandifer went home to be with our Lord and Savior after a long and courageous battle with glioblastoma brain cancer on December 24, 2016. Born on March 30, 1962 in Houston, Texas to Leon and Theresa Sandifer, he and his parents lived in the New Caney and Houston areas until he was in the 10th grade. At that time they moved to Trinity, Texas where he began to excel in sports and academics. He was selected to attend American Legion Boys State during his senior year and graduated in 1980. Then in 1982, he returned with his family to Houston where he began working as a union ironworker and helped build many of the skyscrapers in downtown Houston.

In 1981 he met his wife Tracy and they began dating in December 1982, while she was a senior in high school. They were married on July 23, 1983 in Trinity, Texas.

After the oil crash in Houston, he joined the Navy in July 1986 where he served for 10 years. While serving as a training officer at the Navy Marine Corps Reserve Center in El Paso, he received his Associates Degree in Computer Science through Park College. He enjoyed his time in the Navy but decided to return to civilian life so he could spend more time with his wife and their three children, sons Kevin and Aaron, and daughter Cassie. The decision to leave, was made shortly after losing his nephew, Robert, in a motorcycle accident. Following this in 1996, he worked for Brinks for a short period of time before going to work for the U.S. Postal Service where he worked for 18 years. While with the USPS, he served as a union steward and also worked as a supervisor with the post office in Katy, Texas. He garnered the respect and friendship of his co-workers and all who knew him.

Driven by his desire to serve, Anthony and his brother, David, became volunteer firefighters and EMTs for the Community Volunteer Fire Department in 1998. Tracy also served as a volunteer Paramedic at the fire department, where the two of them served side by side. Anthony was promoted to Suppression Lieutenant and Department Training Officer during his eight years of service to the department.

Anthony’s favorite hobbies included hunting, fishing, woodworking, and gardening. The outdoors were his home. He also had a passion for learning about family history and he spent countless hours researching his family tree and genealogy. One of his most defining characteristics was his thirst for knowledge. After being diagnosed with brain cancer, he spent most of his time researching and reading anything he could find about biblical history and the life of Jesus. His daughter Cassie led him and his wife in weekly bible study over his last year of life. He was dedicated to spreading Jesus’ message of hope with all of his family and everyone around him.

Anthony is survived by his wife, Tracy Sandifer; his children Cassie, Kevin and Aaron; his parents, Leon and Theresa Sandifer; his brother David Sandifer and wife Lisa; brother John Sandifer and wife Kandy; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

The family extends a very special thanks to MD Anderson Cancer Center for the excellent care Anthony received while fighting this difficult battle. Additionally the family would like to thank Houston Hospice and their supportive staff for the care that he received at home and during inpatient care.

Visitation with family will be held from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Monday, January 2, 2017 at the Katy Funeral Home, 23350 Kingsland Boulevard in Katy. The funeral service will be conducted at 11:30 am on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at Grace Bible Church, 6325 Hurst St. in Houston. Interment with Naval Honors will follow at Houston National Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Kevin Sandifer, Aaron Sandifer, David Sandifer, John Sandifer, Chris Sandifer, Troy Goolsby, Peter Englund, and Jason Simmons.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to help find a cure for brain cancer through the American Brain Tumor Association.

The link is: https://secure2.convio.net/abta/site/SPageServer?pagename=vfe_participant_center&pc2_page=center&fr_id=3270

Click on donate now and in the search box, put either Tracy Sandifer or Tribute for Anthony Sandifer.

Thank you in advance for helping to fight brain cancer.

Before his passing, Anthony was able to a share a few of his own memories and stories. From his early childhood, one of his most memorable moments was when he caused his first grade teacher to break her arm when she tripped over crayons he had dropped on the floor. He said that in his early adulthood, it was meeting his wife, Tracy, that changed his life. Some of his proudest family moments included the birth of his children and each of their accomplishments. He listed, “My daughter, Cassie, graduated with her doctorate in Physical Therapist and her leadership in Christianity. My son, Kevin, graduated from University of Texas Austin and fulfilled his dream of becoming a Navy pilot. My son, Aaron, served as a US Marine and is now working on his college degree at Sam Houston State University for a career in criminal justice or as a game warden.” Some of his own personal career accomplishments included, “1) I was selected as apprentice of the year as an iron worker. 2) Sailor of the year as an E-6 first class petty officer while serving on the USS Inchon. 3) Making E-7/Chief Petty Officer in the Navy.” Anthony stated his favorite songs were “The Booger Song” and “I Need A Raise” as performed by Da Yahoos, his family “band” with his wife and kids.

Anthony also stated, “The most special times in my life were the times we took vacations as a family. Washington DC with Cassie and Kevin when they were little; Yosemite National Park; Sequoia; San Diego Zoo and Disneyland; Grand Canyon and Las Vegas; Carlsbad Caverns; Yellowstone; Orlando and Nassau, Bahamas; Alaskan cruise with my wife for our 30th wedding anniversary; cruise to Cozumel and Progreso with Cassie for celebration of Cassie graduating from PT school; many trips to Juarez and Tijuana Mexico when living in El Paso and San Diego; New York City with Kevin for his graduation from University of Texas; trip to Rhode Island and Boston to celebrate Kevin’s graduation from Navy Officer Candidate School; and lastly our big trip in March 2016 to Ireland, Scotland, Rome that the kids planned and paid for.” He also cherished family game nights teaching the kids how to play poker and always taking their money, as well as other card games, dominoes, and board games. He jokingly stated, “Our family mottos were, ‘No mercy for the weak.’ and, ‘You’re going down.’” Anthony always emphasized the value of prioritizing family time, something that has left a lasting mark on the hearts of each of his children and strengthened his family.