Don Sachtleben

Don Verlin Sachtleben, retired Texas Game Warden and former Bee County Constable, passed away in his home on Monday, July 18, 2016, and was laid to rest in the Gonzales Masonic Cemetery on Thursday, July 21. Don fought a valiant against the ever more debilitating and incurable ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) cared for each day and each hour by his loving wife, Johnnie Ann. Don was the son of Harry Victor and Martha Marie Clara Harbers Sachtleben. He was born in DeWitt County, Texas on August 31, 1937, where he spent his entire early life until he graduated from Yorktown High School. He lived and worked in the Victoria area until he entered into his life work; a Texas Game Warden in 1961. Don's first duty station was in Bexar County, followed by his move to Bee County in 1964, where he ultimately retired after credited with 39 years of honorable service to the citizens of the State of Texas. For Don, being a Texas Game Warden was a lifelong adventure. He loved people, the outdoors and nature in general and there was really no such thing as "being off duty." Beginning in about 1970, another dream became a reality; a ranching partnership between Don his dad and brother. While Don had grown up farming and ranching, he always had a dream of being part of a larger scale operation. S2 Ranches was born and continued until he was unable to participate in the operation. The cattle brand used, Lazy S 2, had been passed generation to generation from his great-grandmother and was first registered in 1855, in Blanco County. He delighted in working cattle, riding pasture and all the associated jobs necessary to run a ranching operation; and he was good at it. Don was buried in the Gonzales Masonic Cemetery in Gonzales, Texas. He was honored with a Christian Burial Service, a full Masonic Service with final honors rendered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Honor Guard. Don was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Robert John; and a grandson, Karl. He is survived by his devoted wife, Johnnie Ann, the light of his life; his grandson, Dr. Brandon Sehlke, his wife, Dr. Jennifer Sehlke; and his great-grandchildren, Kendall, Caleb and Colton. Additionally, he is survived by his brother, Sheriff Glen A. Sachtleben and his wife, Jo; his step-daughter, Hollie; step-grandchildren, Eric and Savanna; and step-daughter, Terri. Don is also survived by his daughters, Donna, Vicki; and grandchildren, J and K; and daughter, Lanie. Don will be remembered for his ready smile, his love of people and the always ready story. His joy in life was shared by a host of friends, associates and fellow law enforcement officers. He will be well remembered and sorely missed. The family asks that any memorial made in his memory go to ALS research.

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