DON & JOYCE SAZAMA
Don Sazama, 85 of Albany, passed away Tuesday, June 27, 2023. Joyce Sazama, 81 of Albany, passed away Friday, June 30, 2023. Graveside funeral services were held Monday, July 3 at the Albany Cemetery Pavilion with Rev. Tom Chandler and Pastor Paul Johnston officiating. Interment followed under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.
Donald George Sazama was born March 12, 1938 in Cisco, Texas, to parents George Sazama and Worlia Lila Mae Comer Sazama. After graduating from Albany High School, Don attended LeTourneau Technical Institute in Longview, Ranger Junior College, and the Law Enforcement Academy in Austin to be a DPS trooper.
Joyce Marie Spurgin was born Apr. 28, 1942 in Gorman, Texas, to parents Wolford Ray Spurgin and Laura Marie Brooks Spurgin. She grew up and attended school in Albany.
On July 30, 1959, Don and Joyce were married at First Christian Church in Albany. The couple raised their two daughters, Donna and Liz, in Albany and lived a full life together. In 1947, Don’s father started Sazama Fuel, a full service station, in Albany. Don worked alongside his father and purchased the business in 1972. Sazama Fuel was in the family for 70 years and was a staple in Albany. Don was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. In his younger years, he played on a traveling volleyball team. He loved his dog, Reese, and enjoyed his German Gatorade.
Joyce worked for Lone Star Gas and then the Jones Company from 1976 until her retirement in 2010. She was a member of Friendship Baptist Church and enjoyed her daily walks and gardening with Don, especially asparagus. The couple enjoyed traveling and spent many miles on the road watching their grandchildren play sports. The Sazamas had a place at Possum Kingdom Lake and enjoyed hosting friends and family. In her younger years, Joyce was an avid water skier.
Mr. Sazama was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Patricia Hagler and husband Mike. Mrs. Sazama was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Kennith Spurgin and wife Mary Evelyn and Edward Spurgin.
Mr. and Mrs. Sazama are survived by their loving daughters, Donna Balliew and husband Ross and Liz Walls and husband David, all of Albany; five grandchildren, Brandi Green and husband Jake, Tammy Kelsey and husband Dee, Sam Balliew and wife Robin, Cody Erwin and wife Staci, Laura Erwin and significant other Daniel Radcliff; 15 great grandchildren, Carli, Callan and Colter Edgar, Hunter Connally, Ayden and Griffin Balliew, Jake, Baley, Carley, Presley and Zane Green, Brazos and Bailey Erwin, Ashton and Bailey DaVault; one great-grandson, Easton Connally and a great-granddaughter on the way.
Mr. Sazama is also survived by a sister, Peggy Bruce; nieces and nephews, Dana Smith and husband Danny and Sharon Jones and husband Mark; as well as numerous cousins.
Mrs. Sazama is survived by a brother, Jonnie Spurgin; one sister-in-law, Mildred Spurgin; nieces and nephews, Linda Isbell, Terry Spurgin, Kristi Spurgin, Susan Spurgin, Sherry Viertel, Shelly Blevins; and a host of cousins and other relatives.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Albany Lions Club or the Albany Ex Students Association and may be left at Morehart Mortuary. Condolences may be made online at www.morehartmortuary.net. PD
