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Gene Sandlin of Corvallis passed away Tuesday, May 5, after a yearlong battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was surrounded by his three children when he took his last breath. He was born to E.D. Sandlin and Charlottie Elizabeth (Freid) Sandlin on Dec. 12, 1929, in Paducah, Texas. He was the youngest of 12 children. Gene graduated from Paducah High School in 1949. Immediately after high school he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served four years and was honorably discharged in 1953. In 1959 he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served eight years. During his service in the Air Force, he spent a year in Laos and Thailand, and the Mekong Delta in Vietnam. He was last stationed at Camp Adair Air Force Base in Corvallis, where in 1963 he met Joyce Cook. They dated for six months before they got engaged. They married on Feb. 20, 1965. Gene was honorably discharged in 1967. After his discharge from the Air Force he went to work for the City of Corvallis, where he retired in 1995. After retirement Gene and Joyce became active members of the Corvallis Moose Lodge, where they spent many, many nights in the kitchen, cooking dinner for the lodge members. They made many good friends and remained active until its close. Gene and his wife enjoyed going out for coffee each morning and people-watching; they were familiar faces at many local businesses. Gene’s family was his pride and joy. He adored his three children, and his wife, whom he worried about until his last day. He always made sure that his family was taken care of, and that they had everything they needed. He was the epitome of selflessness. Gene is survived by his wife of 50 years, Joyce; his son Derek Sandlin and his wife, Angela; daughter LaNoi Case and her husband, Ryan; and daughter Sasni Williford and her husband, Mike. He also is survived by eight granddaughters, Paetton Rube, Malie Rube, Nadia Sandlin, Camille Sandlin, Elyse Sandlin, Rylee Sandlin, Kaylie Williford and Ellie Williford. He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings; and granddaughter Kaitlyn Brooke Williford. He was loved and adored by all, and will be missed beyond measure. A memorial service will take place at 2 p.m. Monday, May 11, at the Lions Shelter in Avery Park. A potluck for family will immediately follow the service at the park. Memorial contributions can be made to Heartland Humane Society.

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Carlton Sandlin

December 12, 1929 - May 5, 2015

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