Otto Carl Mangold Jr.

Otto Carl Mangold, Jr., lovingly called “Carl” by friends and family, went to his heavenly home with Jesus, his personal Lord and Savior, on April 7, 2026. Carl was born in San Antonio, Texas on August 25, 1931 to Otto Carl Mangold, Sr. and Minnie Otto Mangold. He was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas and graduated from Edison High School in 1948. After high school Carl joined the Air Force, where he proudly served as an X-Ray technician stationed in Japan during the Korean War.

Upon returning from the war, Carl attended Southwest Texas State University and received his education degree before teaching history for 36 years at Highlands High School. His passion for tennis led him to fulfill the role of tennis coach, where he faithfully led the Highlands varsity tennis team to many victories over his coaching career. Teaching provided the benefit of having long summer vacations, and Carl made the most of this time by traveling cross-country with friends to see National Parks and experience new adventures.

When he was 40, Carl met Judy Weston, the love of his life, at Trinity Baptist Church, and they united in marriage in 1973. Judy had three children, Julie Behrends Jones, John Frederick Sherrill, and David Matthew Sherrill, whom Carl loved as his own children. Carl also had a deep love for animals, and the family’s lives were made fuller by the addition of his beloved dogs. Carl’s deep faith and love for the Lord helped shape Julie, John, and David to also pursue a personal relationship with Christ. Once married, Carl continued teaching and coaching the Highlands tennis team, and he even continued playing tennis on a regular basis at the Colonies House Club until his 90th birthday. Carl was passionate about serving the Lord, and he led his family to be active members of Castle Hills First Baptist Church for many years. He was a faithful servant to his family, including his wife, who had significant health issues. Without complaining or feeling deprived, he devotedly took care of his loving wife’s needs until her death on February 17, 2010.

Carl loyally served others his entire life, whether it was remaining by his brother, Bubba’s, bedside until his death from cancer, serving in the military during war to protect America and its freedoms, loving his wife in sickness and in health, providing for his children and grandchildren, or serving as a deacon, usher, and visitation volunteer in his church of 45 years, Castle Hills Baptist Church. He was faithful to lead Bible studies at church and in various nursing homes across San Antonio, lead friends and family to Christ, and share his faith with complete strangers. His greatest desire in life was for everyone he encountered to know and experience the loving grace and mercy of Jesus. On April 7th, he was met with the words, “Well done good and faithful servant,” as he entered the gates of heaven.

While we mourn his death on earth, we know that Carl is celebrating that he is home with Jesus, his wife, son, granddaughter, parents, brother, and friends who have gone before him. And because of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross and His resurrection, we also have assurance that we will be with Jesus and see Carl again.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents and brother; his wife, Judy; his son, John; and a granddaughter, Jessica Behrends. He is survived by his daughter, Julie Behrends Jones, and her husband, Jack, of Danville, Kentucky; daughter-in-law, Danita, wife of his late son, John Sherrill, of Canyon Lake; son, David Sherrill, and wife, Challie, of Houston; his grandchildren, Davey Behrends and wife (Katy), Christina Behrends, Chris Sherrill and fiancé (Jen Rabat), Justin Sherrill, Weston Sherrill, Callaway Sherrill, and Evelyn Sherrill; his great-grandchildren, Reagan, Grayson, and Jon-David Behrends. In his retirement, one of his greatest joys was interacting with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank Gayla Castaneda with TheraCare Home Health, Good Shepherd Hospice, the staff at Franklin Park Sonterra, and Darla Alston, his caregiver in recent months.

Carl’s life and legacy will be honored on April 28, 2026, at Porter Loring North (2102 N Loop 1604E). Visitation will begin at 11:30, the Celebration of Life service will commence at 12:30, and a graveside service will follow at 2 PM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Mission City Church (formerly Castle Hills FBC at missioncity.church/give) or to the Boys Ranch by Cal Farley (calfarley.org).