George E. "Sandy" Sandhagen, 98, of Savoy; formerly Paxton, passed away at 5:48 a.m. on Tuesday, February 13, 2018, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, three days before his 99th birthday.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon Friday, February 16, 2018, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E Pells Street, Paxton with Pastor Dave Parker officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery, Paxton with military honors rendered by the Paxton American Legion Prairie Post Unit 150.

Visitation will be two hours prior to the service from 10-12 noon at the funeral home.

George was born on February 16, 1919 in Paxton the son of George A. and Leora (Pike) Sandhagen. He married Mary H. Lindberg of Paxton on August 23, 1950. She preceded him in death on April 25, 2015.

He is survived by one son, George W. "Wally" Sandhagen, Tolono, one step-daughter, Mary Jean (Thomas) Harrison, Paxton; four grandchildren, Jeff (Bonnie) Harrison, Paxton, Tim (Kara) Harrison, Paxton, Matt (Jeni) Harrison, Fithian, Ben Harrison, Paxton; two great-grandchildren and two step great-grandchildren.

In addition to this wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, a sister and several aunts and uncles.

George grew up in Loda and graduated from Loda High School while living on the Currie farm in Wall Township. He enlisted in the Army and served overseas in World War II, being honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant. After returning to the Loda/Paxton area, he worked as a school bus driver, a fuel oil driver and part-time deputy sheriff. He then applied and was hired as a clerk at the U.S. Post Office in Paxton. He eventually became a rural mail carrier on the old Rural Route 2 retiring in 1982.

After retirement, George worked for Glenn Miller at Brown-Miller Funeral Home and Furniture Store. He also was a driver for several years at Shields Auto Group in Paxton and Rantoul.

George was a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church in Paxton. He served as chairman of the trustees board and was a member of Fireside Friends.

He was a life member and past commander of the American Legion Prairie Post Unit #150, Paxton serving on the post's firing squad for many years. He also was a life member of VFW Post 4214, Paxton.

He and his wife lived in the same house in Paxton for over 60 years before moving to Autumn Fields in Savoy.

Memorials may be made to the Paxton American Legion Prairie Post 150 or the Evangelical Covenant Church, Paxton. Condolences may be offered at www.baierfuneralservices.com.