Jerry Anderson Sandel

In Loving Memory of Jerry Sandel
May 10, 1937 – June 4, 2025
Jerry Anderson Sandel, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, public servant, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2025, at the age of 88.
He was born in Terrell, Texas, on May 10, 1937, to Herbert Henderson "Tubby" Sandel, and Nuna Mae Anderson Sandel. He was raised in the Loma community west of Huntsville. He graduated from Huntsville High School in 1955 and from Sam Houston State University in 1959. While at SHSU, he was a proud member of the Esquires (later Delta Tau Delta). And it was at Sam Houston that he met the love of his life, June Lea "Sam" Shaw, whom he married on October 31, 1959.
He later attended South Texas College of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctorate in 1968. After his father's death in 1969, Jerry, Sam, and their two children moved back to Huntsville from Houston. In 1972, he was appointed district attorney of what was at that time a five-county district. On July 24, 1974, three inmates laid siege to the education/library building of the Walls Unit in Huntsville, thrusting our community into the national spotlight. Jerry was a young DA, but with the help of first assistant, Don Kraemer, and investigator, Walt Pinegar, they skillfully navigated the high-profile prosecution amid intense public and media scrutiny.
In 1980 to 1981, he served as judge of the Walker County Court at Law, and from 1983 to 2002, he served as district judge of the 278th Judicial District Court. On the bench, he was known for his sense of fairness and his ability to temper law with empathy. He had a reputation for treating all who appeared before him with patience, respect, and kindness. After he fully retired as a senior district judge, he tried his hand at representing criminal defendants. He was often seen visiting his clients at the Walker County jail with his assistant, Little Jill Clements, at his side.
To know Jerry was to know a man with a heart as big as Texas. His laugh could fill a room, and his friendships were deep and enduring. He was a man of humility, warmth, and humor-quick to listen, slow to judge, and always generous with his time and wisdom. Christ's love was evident in him, and it was a blessing to all. Romans 12:18 says, "If possible, as far as it depends on you, live peaceably with everyone," and that is how he lived.
Judge Sandel is survived by his beloved wife and his biggest cheerleader, June "Sam" Sandel; his children, Joel Sandel, Jill Sandel Driscoll, and Jimbo Driscoll; and his adored grandchildren, Allison Driscoll, Luke Driscoll, and James Driscoll. He is also survived by his devoted brother, Joe Sandel, and sister-in-law, Winnie Sandel. Additionally, he leaves Alejandrina Martinez and "Baby Girl" Estefenia Martinez who loved him and took the very best care of him, as well as Lizzie Tripp who provided her constant support and love to him; and, of course, his dear Esquire/Delt brothers, all of his nieces, his nephew, extended family, friends, and former colleagues who will remember him always with great affection and respect. He is preceded in death by his parents, Tubby and Nuna Mae, and his precious sister, Betty Ann Sandel Bautsch.
The family will receive friends and loved ones at 4:00 PM on Monday, June 16, 2025, at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Huntsville and services will begin at 5:00 PM. A reception will follow the services, and Jerry will be laid to rest at Buck Foster Cemetery with a sunset graveside service. Memorial condolences may be made to the family at www.shmfh.com.
It was no secret that Jerry Sandel loved Sam Houston State University. He was a huge fan of Bearkat athletics and attended as many football, basketball, and baseball games as possible. To honor Jerry's memory, donations may be made to the Bearkats Champions Fund at the following link: https://secure.touchnet.com/C21329_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=192&SINGLESTORE=true
The services will be live streamed at the following link, starting approximately 10 minutes prior to the service time: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/a25062468648146