John "Whitey" Earl Sands

John “Whitey” Earl Sands was born on December 19, 1930, in Paden, and departed this life on Friday, October 13, 2017, in Prague, Oklahoma, at the age of 86. Whitey, the son of Eugene Starling and Marie (Muncy) Sands, was a resident of Prague. He was raised by his grandparents, John and Bert Muncy, in Paden. Whitey moved to Amarillo, Texas in his early years and learned his skills of automobile paint and body, from his uncle, Frank “Jiggs” Fisher. He married Elva Jo Hinds on December 24, 1958, in Amherst, Texas. After moving to Prague in 1964, Whitey and Jo owned and operated Sands Body Shop in Prague for 53 years. Their son, Chris Sands grew up in and later joined the family business. Many sacks of peanuts and stories were shared with Whitey and the Sands family at the body shop. He served two terms on the Prague City Council and was also on the Prague Volunteer Fire Department for 20 years. In 2016, Whitey was honored by the Prague Chamber of Commerce with the Lifetime Achievement Award. He was a faithful member of Prague United Methodist Church. Whitey was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. Whitey was preceded in death by his parents and sisters June Osmond and Sonja Russell. Whitey is survived by his wife Jo Sands, of Prague; son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Barbara Sands; daughter, Carrie Good; grandson, Dillon Good; brother, Gene Sands of Soldotna, Alaska; sister, Norman Frey, of Olympia, Washington; cousin, Sally Pester, of Prague and numerous other family and friends. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 16, 2017 at 2:00 PM, at Prague United Methodist Church in Prague with Bro. Tim Emmons officiating. Interment will follow at Prague Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Prague Municipal Hospital and Prague United Methodist Church.