Joseph "Joe" Edward Sanford

Joseph Edward Sanford, 77, of Columbia passed away on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at home with his wife by his side.

Joe was born June 1, 1943, in Belleville, Illinois, the son of Edgar and Laverne Carter Sanford and they preceded him in death.   He graduated from Boonville High School and then got a degree in Biology from Missouri Valley College.  Joe served in the U. S. Army (1966-1969) in Vietnam receiving the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Sharp Shooter M-14 Award.  On December 6, 1974, he married Sherry Robb in Boonville.  Joe was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes, where he was a member of the Fix It Crew.  He retired as an electrician from the University of Missouri – Columbia.

Joe was always ready to lend a helping hand.  He loved his family the most and was very proud of his children and grandchildren.  He was a lover of music and nature, a bird watcher, an avid gardener, and enjoyed working on wood projects.

Joe is survived by his wife, Sherry; children, Matthew Todd Oser (Amber) of Raymore and Tiffany C. Sanford-Martens (Matt) of Columbia; grandchildren, Bailey and Blake Oser, Josalyn and Carys Martens; two sisters, Carolyn Newborn of Gladstone, Ann Zink of Belton and many nieces and nephews. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.  Visitation for family and friends will be at 10:00 a.m. until time for the mass at the Church.  Burial with Full Military Honors will follow the service at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Boonville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Central Mo Humane Society, Second Chance, Alzheimer’s Association or charity of donor’s choice, c/o Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel, 1610 N. Garth Ave., Columbia, MO 65202.

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