Joe Langston Sandel
Joe Langston Sandel, 102, a resident of Webster, Texas, passed away on April 26, 2025. He was born in Galveston, Texas on August 5, 1922, to parents Langston Howard Sandel and Josephine Koster Sandel.
Joe proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force after graduation from the University of Texas at Austin. He made a career as a professional structural engineer and worked at Union Carbide in Texas City for most of his career. Joe served as a board member of the Gulf Coast Water Authority and championed the switch away from groundwater extraction to address subsidence. During his lifetime, Joe shared his love for gardening with family and friends, and he enjoyed membership in the Bromeliad Society of Houston. Joe cherished the community at the Dickinson First United Methodist Church and particularly his friends in its Agape Sunday School Group.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife of 54 years, Nelta. He leaves behind his children Ellen McCaffrey (Jim), Martha Martin, Kelly Simmons (Bruce) and Scott Sandel (Jim Marich); grandchildren Richard Parrish, Michael McCaffrey, Ty Martin (Star Zagofsky), Kelsey Betz (Brannen), Jill Almai (Milaud) and Mark Simmons; and great-grandchildren Mark, Laura, Elizabeth Parrish-Lorcy (Francois) and Megan Parrish, Rad Martin, Beckett and Kinzie Betz, and Violet Almai.
In his honor, there will be a visitation on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 5-7:00 p.m. at Crowder Funeral Home at 851 FM 517 Road West in Dickinson. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Dickinson First United Methodist Church, 200 FM 517 Road West, Dickinson and will, at Joe’s wish, serve Bluebell ice cream. Memorials may be made to Dickinson First United Methodist Church or to Friends of Helen Hall Library in League City.
What an incredible soul. I was so blessed to know Joe and assist with his care. Joe you will be missed. Love you- Stephania White (A1 home health)
I had a wonderful time getting to know Joe working with him twords the end 😌 such a kind old soul, we shared a birthday and he reminded of my own dad. Best wishes to his family I hope you all make it through this tough time ❤️
Such a fine gentleman with a beautiful smile. So charming and friendly. I still have the bromeliad he gave me years ago. Survived the freeze and is sprouting again. God bless him.
Mary Ann Taylor
(His former neighbor Michelle’s mom)
What a wonderful picture of a great human being. Mr. & Mrs. Sandel were a big part of my childhood with swim team and the Methodist Church. He was always just a great guy and truly loved his plants and his church. He and Mrs. Sandel knew everything we all did as teenagers. They were a very fun couple. Sharing his love of plants with his son Scott, gave Scott an amazing career. I still remember when they built the greenhouse. He led a life we should all emulate, a life of duty, honor and respect. He will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.
So blessed to know Joe and his family. He was always ready to help anyone.
We were Blessed to be part of the Dickinson community and know such nice people.
I was privileged to meet Joe at an event given by a friend earlier this year. What an exceptional man he was! Easy to talk with, and very humble. Deepest sympathy to his family and those who loved him.