John Garrie Sandlin

John Garrie Sandlin, 90years old passed away surrounded by his loving family on September 26, 2024. He was a beloved husband, friend, and mentor to many. He will be remembered for his kindness, grace, and unwavering love for everyone. His legacy will live on through all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

John had a long a distinguished military career serving in the U.S. Army Airborne Infantry as a private, sergeant and a commissioned officer. He retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He is a veteran of the Korean War and served four tours of duty in Vietnam as a paratrooper with the U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Berets) and the 101st Airborne Division.

He was a highly decorated soldier for this military service and combat duty. Among his many decorations and awards are: the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Vietnamese Master Parachutist Badge, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, 5 Bronze Medals (1 for valor), 2 Air Medals, 2 Meritorious Service Medals, 6 Army Commendation Medals (1 for valor), 3 Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry Medals (2 Silver Stars and 1 Bronze Star), the Vietnamese Service Medal with 2 silver stars, and several service campaign medals. He was also a licensed aviator.

John had an undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska, a master’s degree from Nicholls State University, and is a graduate of several military schools to include the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. 

He was very involved in civic activities in DeRidder and Beauregard Parish. He served as Vice-President and President of the Greater Beauregard Chamber of Commerce, was a member of Kiwanis and was on the board of the Beauregard Parish Historical Society. He also taught psychology and American History for 19 years at Northwestern State University, Leesville campus. 

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 54 years, Sharon, a sister Mary Belgard (Bill), brother-in-law, Ronnie Cooley (Billie), Kenneth Cooley (Janice) and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews who loved him dearly.

John is preceded in death by; his mother, Lucille Colbert, and his father, Claude Sandlin, Sisters Dolores Hurlburt, Billie Kjama, Alada Clark, Brothers Thomas Sandlin, Joe Sandlin and Buddy Sandlin.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, September 30, 2024, at 4:00pm at Grace Church, in DeRidder, LA. Brother Joshua Eubanks will officiate the service. Visitation will be on Monday at 2:00pm until the time of the service. Cremation has been entrusted to Myers-Colonial Funeral Home.

The family wants to thank Companion Care and Heart of Hospice, Erica Faye, Sherry Burgess and Sheila Perkins for the excellent care that they gave him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office Animal Control or Humane Society of West Louisiana.