Herman Sandford

Dr. Herman Prestridge Sandford of Arkadelphia, beloved husband, Dad, Grandpa, minister, mentor, professor, and department chair, passed away peacefully at home on July 11th, 2016. He was 94 years old.

He was born September 28, 1921, in a farmhouse outside of Lufkin, Texas, the son of George E. and Mary Edna "Mollie" Hawkins Sandford. His five older sisters preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Juanita Marceille Dadisman, and their three daughters: Susan McMillan (Robert) of St. Louis, MO, Linda Wells (Donald) of Arkadelphia and Mary K. Sandford (Eileen Jackson) of Langley, Washington. He was the proud and loving Grandpa to six Grandchildren-Richard Brook Wooderson (Heather), Brittnee McDermott, (Matt), Brona Sarchett (Chris), Tiffiny Wooderson (Deceased), Jeff McMillan (Donna), Christina Wells (Jennifer), Ten Great Grandchildren and Two Great-Great Grandchildren.

He was the first member of his family to go to college, enrolling in Stephen F. Austin with plans to become a chemical engineer. He completed two years of study before the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He attempted to enlist immediately with the hopes of being a flier. Although he was turned down because of nearsightedness, he was later drafted and trained as a radio/radar mechanic in the Army Air Corps, affiliated with 541st Bomb Squadron, 388th Bomb Group, and stationed at air bases in England. He received the American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal w/1 Silver Star and 2 Bronze Service Stars.

Following the war, he returned to Texas and enrolled in Baylor University where he completed his baccalaureate and master's degrees in religion and English. There, he met the love of his life, Juanita Dadisman, who majored in sociology, Spanish and religion. They married on December 22, 1946.

Herman and Juanita began their college teaching careers at Wayland College in 1948. Herman was an ordained Baptist Minister. He pastored churches in Greenwood and Ft. Smith Arkansas. During his years he taught at OBU, he served as an interim Minister to several congregations in Arkansas. He was appreciated for his excellent skill at preaching and pastoring.

In 1959, Herman took a job in the English Department at Ouachita Baptist College where he spent his career, climbed the academic ranks, and served for many years as Chair of the English Department. During his tenure at OBU, he completed his Ph.D. in English at the University of Arkansas with a focus on Southern Literature. A commanding presence in the classroom, he endeavored to help his students see the world in new ways. He enjoyed teaching a wide range of courses from Freshman English to Advanced Grammar. When technological breakthroughs in digital computing arrived on university campuses, he enthusiastically embraced the use of computers to enhance the teaching of writing at OBU.

He loved the company of colleagues and students, welcomed them into his office and home, and, when the occasion arose, offered wise and honest counsel. He often used his humor to cheer others and ease tense situations. He enjoyed attending plays and musical concerts of many genres. He loved singing and was a founding member of the OBU Faculty Quartet that was famous for its series of "Last Concerts." Perhaps greatest of all, he loved exploring the outdoors, hiking with his children, grandchildren, and colleagues. He had a passion for keeping an inviting habitat for trees and birds around the family home and was often seen sitting with binoculars watching his bird feeders.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, July 16th in the Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Chapel with Dr. Mary K. Sandford and Rev Jan K. Nielsen officiating. Burial with military honors, will be in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be 9:30 AM till service time Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Ouachita Baptist University or the Loren Eiseley Society ( www.loreneiseley.org ).