Charles Paul Sandell Jr

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Charles “Chuck” P Sandell Jr., who left us on March 5, 2026, at the age of 76 due to medical complications from dementia. Born on May 16, 1949, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tacoma, WA, Chuck spent his entire life deeply connected to the place he called home.

Chuck attended Sumner High School before being inducted into the Marines, where he served his country with immense pride. Being a Veteran remained a source of honor for Chuck throughout his life, and he cherished this role until his final days.

Chuck joins his parents, Charles and Mary Sandell, Uncle John Whalen, Chuck’s younger brother, Chris Sandell, nephew Brian Sandell, and nieces Mary Megan Ronayne and Catherine Rider, in rest. He is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Cindy Sandell of Puyallup, WA, and his two stepchildren, Brian Tilley of Puyallup, WA and Shannon Tilley-Seymour (Rick Seymour) of Puyallup, WA, whom he always considered his own. Chuck’s heart overflowed with love for his only grandchild, Lincoln (12), and he is further remembered by all his siblings and their families: Linda (Mark) Ronayne of Vancouver, WA and their 6 children, Kenn Sandell (Pam Sturgeon) of Burien, WA and their 2 children, Jan (Duncan) McCallie of Anacortes, WA and their 3 children, sister-in-law Betsy Sandell of Lake Havasu and their 4 children, Joanne (Russ) Hazelton of Coeur d' Alene, ID and their 3 children, Cathy (Harry) Kontorowicz of Puyallup, WA and their 5 children, Vernon (Lisa) Sandell of Louisville, KY, and Bill (Eileen) Sandell of Bonney Lake, WA and their 3 children. Altogether, Chuck’s legacy includes 31 nieces and nephews and 50 great nieces and nephews. Chuck is further survived by Uncle John’s partner, Gary Nelson of Rancho Mirage, CA, the McGowans and Cindy’s family, the Quitslunds, the Webers and the Tilleys who embraced him as one of their own. He was honored to be accepted into their family and enjoyed many of the family get togethers

Chuck dedicated more than five decades to the transportation and logistics industry, retiring in 2017. During his career, he formed countless friendships that became cherished family bonds. His kindness ran deep—Chuck was always ready to lend a helping hand, and many remember him as someone who would literally give the shirt off his back. His easygoing nature, warmth, and generosity made a lasting impression on everyone who knew him, and he will be deeply missed.

A Service to honor Chuck’s life will be held on April 8, 2026, at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Sumner, WA, followed by a full Military Service at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Covington, WA, where Chuck will be interred. The Service at St. Andrews will begin at 11:00 am, followed by the Military Service at the National Cemetery at 2:00 pm. After the Service, all are invited to join us for a reception at Toscanos Italian Grill in Puyallup following the Services to share memories and celebrate Chuck’s remarkable life.

We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the doctors and nurses at Good Samaritan Hospital, Puyallup. Their compassion and dedication meant so much during Chuck’s hospital stay, with several nurses going above and beyond by checking in on Chuck even when they weren’t assigned to him. We are deeply grateful for their care.

In addition, we want to thank Bonaventure Puyallup, the dementia care facility where Chuck moved to in April of 2025. Over the past year, their team has provided daily care, thoughtfully incorporating activities to keep Chuck engaged and full of life. Chuck truly enjoyed his new home, and we are so appreciative for all the tireless efforts the staff put forth to ensure his well-being. Their dedication and kindness have not gone unnoticed, and we are deeply grateful for the support and care they have given.

In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that donations be made to the Veterans Against Alzheimer’s in honor of Charles “Chuck” P Sandell Jr.