Wendall "Sandy" Sandell Obituary (1935 - 2015)

Wendall J. "Sandy" Sandell, age 79, of Wesleyville, passed away Sunday, March 29, 2015. He was born in Erie on April 3, 1935, son of the late William and Catherine Sandell. Sandy was a U.S Navy Veteran, serving in the Korean War. He was a 40 year member and Honorary Life member of American Legion Carl Neff Post 571, where he held all post offices of Post 571, including 2 years 100% Commander. Currently Sandy is serving as Sr. Vice Commander and Membership Chairman from 1994 to present and President of Wesleyville American Legion Home Association, 1994 - 2014. He was Erie County Finance Officer, County Adjutant and 100% Commander. For the District, Sandy was 29th District Deputy Commander; Senior Deputy, District Commander; 100% Commander and Quota Commander. Over the years, Sandy served as Asst. Sgt-at-Arms; Chairman Sons of the American Legion; Vice Chairman Legion College West; Vice Chairman Keystone Boy's State; Chairman, Department VA & R Committee; Director, Pennsylvania Housing for Homeless Veterans Committee; Parliamentarian, Western Section; Western Section Chaplain; Western Section Finance Officer; Western Section Commander; Department Commander and recipient of the Pennsylvania Commendation Medal; and Elected Pennsylvania Alternate Executive Committee. On the National Level, Sandy served on the Welcoming Committee; Distinguished Guests Committee Vice Chairman; National VA & R Commission; Member of ANAVICUS; Appointed National Chairman, Veteran's Preference on Economic Commission; Appointed National Chairman Veterans Benefits Committee on VA & R Commission; Elected Alternate National Executive Committeeman. Other of Sandy's services included Past Memberships with the Voiture 462 40/8 Erie and Crawford Counties; V.F.W. Post 4789 North East, PA; Congressman English's Veterans Task Force; National Champion Imperial Knights Men's Veteran Color Guard; Congresswoman Dahlkemper's Veteran's Task Force. He was a recipient of the Gold Brigade Membership Award in 2005' and Silver Brigade Membership Award in 2011. He also served his community as Past Captain and life member of Weselyville Volunteer Fire Department and a committee member for the Veteran's Memorial Gazebo erected in Harborcreek, honoring Veterans of all wars. In his free time he loved woodworking, cooking, golfing and hunting. Sandy is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Karen L. Sandell; two daughters, Christine McClelland, Kathleen Williams (Randy); 1 son, Thomas Sandell (Tracy); one step-daughter, Christine Anderson (John); 1 sister, Dixie Sandell; 1 brother, Thomas Sandell; 9 grandchildren; 5 great grandsons; aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces also survive. He was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Michael and William A. Sandell. Friends may call at the Dusckas-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 5151 Buffalo Rd, (at Hannon Rd. in Harborcreek Twp.) on Wednesday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 pm and are invited to attend a funeral service there on Thursday at 10:30 am conducted by Rev. Harry Johns III, VNA Hospice Chaplain. Following the service, Military Honors will be rendered by the Carl Neff Post 571. Private Interment will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of the funeral home.