John Sterling Gallander, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, entered into eternity on September 5, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia, after passing away from heart failure. Born on October 5, 1956, in Liberty, Texas, John grew up in Saratoga, Texas, where his roots ran deep. He was raised in a lively household alongside his five brothers and one sister, where family life revolved around church, chores, and football. His mother instilled the importance of faith, while his father ensured that chores were completed and football games were played.
After graduating from Hardin High School in 1974, John married his high school sweetheart, Dana Abshier, in 1975. Together, they had two sons, John Frank and David Anthony Gallander. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, John began his career as a self-employed welder, serving the oil and gas industry in East Texas. By the 1990s, his career had expanded when he joined GMP International, where he worked offshore in the Gulf of Mexico and later internationally in Nigeria, Angola, and Kazakhstan.
While working in Kazakhstan, John met and married Acel Kalesovna Gallander, and they welcomed their son, Sterling Kales, in 2005. From 2000 to 2016, John worked as a consultant for Chevron in Angola, Africa. During his international career, John chose to spend his time off in Budapest, Hungary, where he embraced the vibrant culture. He enjoyed leisurely days in the city’s coffee shops, museums, and architectural wonders, immersing himself in the rich history of the region. John’s free-spirited nature shone during this period of his life, and he relished the opportunity to explore and enjoy the world. Each year, he made a point of returning to Texas for a month to reconnect with family and friends.
John will be fondly remembered by his siblings as the funny and creative brother, but it was his kindness that truly defined him and became the lasting legacy he passed on to his sons. His warmth and generosity touched everyone he encountered, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
John is preceded in death by his parents, Fred Ellis Gallander and Margaret (Alvarado) Gallander. He is survived by his three sons: John Frank Gallander and his wife Sarah, along with their children Seth (22), Eva Gwen (21), and Kira (17); David Anthony Gallander and his wife Carmen, and their son Cole (10); and Sterling Gallander, currently attending Stephen F. Austin State University.
He is also survived by his sister, Carmen DeMarr and her husband Ric; his brothers and their wives, Fred and Rebecca, Alfred and Judy, David and Mary, Frank and Katie, and Ernest and Erika Gallander. John leaves behind 16 nieces and nephews and numerous cousins.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 6pm until 8pm, on Friday, September 13, 2024, in the chapel of Sterling Funeral Home, 602 N. Main Street, Dayton, Texas. A rosary will be recited at 8pm at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Our Lady of Victory, 210 W. Barkley Street, Sour Lake, Texas 77659, time will be determined. A Rite of Committal will immediately follow in Guedry Cemetery in Batson, Texas.
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Parsons family sending our heartfelt condolences to all the family and friends 🙏
I am so sorry for your loss. Many prayers and hugs
So sorry to hear that PeeWee is gone. I will fondly remember him always, as we spent our childhood years growing up together. Rest in peace PeeWee. Loved you, and the rest of your family will be in my prayers for healing and comfort.