Sanford J. DeVoll, 83, died Tuesday, July 26, 2011, at Big Bend Regional Medical Center after a brief illness.

A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. Firday, July 29, at the Church of Christ in Alpine.

Sanford was born January 23, 1928, in Quanah to Ida Marie Craig DeVoll and George Mose DeVoll Jr. He graduated from San Saba High School in 1946 and married Nellie Maurine Sutton on October 29, 1948.

He graduated from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Academy in 1954 and was assigned to Alpine, where he and Maurine spent the remainder of their lives. He worked for Parks & Wildlife for 14 years and then went into business in real estate, insurance, ranching and then hotel management, with Maurine, at Alpine's Sunday House Motel for more than 30 years.

Sanford was active in many civic organizations, including the hospital board of directors, Hwy. 67 tourism and Big Bend tourism groups, and groups active in establishment of the Alpine Civic Center.

In 2009, Sanford and Maurine were inducted into the Sul Ross State University Hall of Honor, being recognized for their years of support of the Sul Ross athletic department. He was a member of the Alpine Church of Christ. He was preceded in death by his wife; son-in-law, Jack Roach, Jr.; and his parents.

Survivors include daughter, Marsha Roach of Alpine; daughter and son-in-law, Regina and Charles Busby; son and daughter-in-law, Rodney and Karlin DeVoll; grandchildren, Dusty Carrizales, Cole Sterling, Tyrel Sterling, Chris and Andrea Roach, Sean and Andrea Roach and Brodie DeVoll; great-grandchildren, Gregg Hartley, Kristen Dupree, Matthew Dupree, Kippy Sterling, Topper Sterling, Remington Sterling, Angelica Roach, Cooper Roach and Emerson Roach; brothers, George and wife Pat DeVoll and James and wife Judy; sisters, Neita Gage, Dorothy Dickey and Peggy Cobern; brother-in-law, Mack and wife Jean Sutton; and numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and inumerable friends.