Carol Dean Sattler, 90, of Doss, Texas passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026.

Born March 2, 1936 in the family home in Stillwater, Oklahoma to Claud Lee Haston and Mabel McKnight Haston, she attended public schools and spent many hours in her early years exploring the banks of Boomer Creek, plying its shaded waters in leaky rowboats, and catching crawdads to sell to local fishermen. She graduated Stillwater High School in 1954, and studied business administration at Oklahoma State University where she also worked in the Student Union.

A member of the Stillwater Church of the Nazarene, it was there that she met U.S. Air Force 2d Lt. Harold Sattler from Kerrville, Texas, a graduate student at OSU before beginning aircrew training.

The two married May 24, 1958, and thus began Carol's life as a military wife, a journey that would take her around the world. The first stop was Harlingen, Texas, where the couple would be blessed with twin boys, Brian Kent and Alan Grant. She and the boys would soon follow Harold to his first overseas assignment in Yokota, Japan. Later moves included Georgia, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas and Iran. The last assignment, in 1977, ended early with the fall of the Shah and the expulsion of all westerners from that country. Carol left her government service position and evacuated with her sons. Harold followed months later and then retired from the Air Force, rejoining Carol at the family homestead near Doss. After Harold's passing 20 years later, Carol remained at the ranch where she managed its operations and continued her career in Fredericksburg.

Carol became the bookstore manager at the National Museum of the Pacific War, a position she held for 27 years, retiring in 2012. In addition to growing the bookstore, she enjoyed working with volunteers, meeting countless veterans and their families, and gained friendship with military publishers, historians and authors from across the country. Among her duties were arranging many educational symposiums and conferences as well as book signings. Carol also was a partner in a local mainstreet business known as The Cookie Jar for several years.

Throughout her travels, Carol remained a faithful member of the Church of the Nazarene, later joining the fellowship of Hilda United Methodist Church after moving to Doss. Gifted with a beautiful voice and a love of music, Carol often played piano, participated in choir and served as a song leader. Her love of music took her on tours to Italy and Ireland with the Kerrville United Methodist Choir. She also made other trips to Japan, Germany, and Turkey to visit her son Alan Grant and his family.

She was active in Emmaus Walks and United Methodist Women. She served alongside Harold in the Doss Volunteer Fire Department as an emergency medical technician for a number of years. Her volunteering included serving at Cancer Walks in Mason, as a Docent at the Mason Square Museum, and working with the Friends of the Library, Eckert Memorial Library in Mason.

She is survived by her sons, Brian Sattler and wife, Kay, of Doss; Grant Sattler, and wife, Lea Ann, of Fairbanks, Alaska; Five grandchildren, Amy Weir, and husband Joshua, of Lake Jackson; Greg Sattler and wife Amanda, of Junction; Anna Krenzke and husband Steve of Ester, Alaska; Marcus Sattler and wife, Madlyn, of Yukon, Oklahoma; Victoria Grace Alvarado and husband, Daniel, of Oklahoma City; and 10 great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband of 41 years Harold, and her brother Darrell Haston.

Carol will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her humor and sweet smile, her generosity, and the tremendous love she had for her family and friends. Her presence will be deeply missed but forever cherished in the hearts of all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life service will be held June 6 at River of Life Church in Mason, Texas,  with visitation at 10 a.m. and service at 11 a.m.

In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Doss VFD, USO or Veterans organizations, Hospice or a ministry of your choice.