Dates
Vernon Lloyd Sartain, age 86, left this earth and entered through the pearly gates on May 5, 2026.
Memorial Service will be at 11:00 AM Friday, May 8, 2026, at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel with Bob Beaver and Colton Bradshaw, officiating. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.
He was born on October 2, 1939, in a tent in Christoval, to Roy and Eunice Sartain. Vernon attended school in Mertzon, where he set the track record in the 880-yard run which he held for over 30 years. Even later in life, he never lost his competitive spirit-often challenging his grandchildren to foot races, which he usually won.
Vernon retired from Goodyear Proving Grounds after 37 years of dedicated service. He was a hardworking man and a cowboy through and through. He loved the outdoors, whether he was hunting, fishing, riding horses, or tending to his Boer goats. He was also a longtime member of the San Angelo Saddle Club.
He married Gale Sartain on August 30, 1986. He shared 39 wonderful years of marriage with his wife, whom he loved dearly.
He is survived by his wife, Gale Sartain; his uncle, Burrell Pringle, his sister, Wanda Lloyd; and his brother, Stanley Sartain. He leaves behind his sons, Dennis Sartain and wife Terri, Carey Sartain and wife Debbie; and his stepchildren, Darrell Haynes and wife Robin, and Jerry Haynes. He was a proud grandfather to Courtney Sartain, Megan Barnes and husband Brandon, Casey Sartain, Clayton Halfmann and wife Donna, and Cindy Napoles and husband George. His great-grandchildren, Morgan Palmore, Sienna Gonzalez, Kainen Fuentez, Jorge Napoles, Ricky Napoles, Paxton Halfmann, and Madison Baker.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Eunice Sartain; his first wife and mother of his children, Barbara Sartain; his brother, Melvin Sartain; and his daughter, Tina Murphy. After the loss of a loved one, he often reminded us that 'dying is a part of living.
Vernon will be remembered for his deeply rooted faith, strength, his love for the land, his humorous spirit, and the joy he found in simple, meaningful moments. Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing he is home in the presence of his Heavenly Father.
"If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord."
- Romans 14:8