Nathan Bret Sandel

Nathan Bret Sandel was born on March 26, 1976, in Natchitoches, Louisiana. He passed away on December 6, 2023, in Florien, Louisiana. A visitation will be held for him on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 1225 Ebenezer Road, Florien, LA 71429 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. His visitation will continue on Monday, December 11, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. until time of his funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Bro. Wayne Chance and Bro. Jimmy Speight officiating. Interment will be held immediately after at Prospect Cemetery, 1401 Prospect Road, Florien, LA 71429. 

At a young age, Bret was known as the class clown. With the help of Bo Stewart, Bret wreaked havoc (in the funniest of ways) on Florien High School. Soon after graduation, Bret started work in the oilfield. It wasn’t long until he was injured trying to save other crewmen’s lives, which resulted in back surgery in his early 30’s.

For 20+ years, Bret’s talent of running various heavy equipment was his means of livelihood. He worked beside his dad, Randy, to build manufactured home pads, runners, driveways, etc. Bret was an avid hunter and was taught by the best, his Uncle Will. He was most known for being a horseman. For 20+ years, he participated in the Chuck Wagon Races, where he was never beaten as an outrider on a team.

He had twin daughters who he raised like boys. He taught them how to saddle, ride a horse, and stick in the seat like glue. Always get back on if you get bucked off because they’ll sense the fear in you. That wasn’t quite enough, he made sure they turned out tough. His son came a little down the road. He also showed him the ropes, the kind that wrapped around a bull and held onto with a glove.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Johnson and Elsa Raye Sandel, Willie Gene and Anna Prewitt, and Raymond Potter; his aunt, Pam Carver, his Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Tommy Sandel, and his nephew, Jayce Alan. Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Alex Sandel and Kade of Florien, LA, Bret Sandel Ryder and husband, Cole of Florien, LA; his son, Garrett Sandel of Calhoun, LA; his grandsons, Emmett Murray and Royce Ryder; two more grandchildren on the way; his parents, Randy and Mona Sandel of Florien, LA; his grandmother, Granny B of Florien, LA; his sister, Kristy Knippers and husband, Monty of Florien, LA; and his brother, Patrick Sandel and wife, Christy of Many, LA; along with a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and other relatives.

Honoring him as pallbearers will be Garrett Sandel, Patrick Sandel, Darryl Brandon, Jacee Murray, Bo Stewart, Mike Kelly, Josh Sandel, and Buddy Smith. His honorary pallbearers will be Chad Strother, Steve Lee, and Emmett Murray.