Thomas Gale Sanders

Thomas Gale Sanders went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, 29 August 2023 at the age of 65.

Tom was born on 16 July 1958 in Shawnee, Oklahoma to his parents Roberta Jean and Gaylord “Sandy” Sanders. He retired from Tinker Air Force Base in 2019 after nearly 35 years of civil service. During his life, Tom had a heart for ministry, helped in children’s church for many years, and also helped extensively with the bus ministry. Tom loved spending time with his family and could often be found outdoors, either camping, fishing, or hunting, often with an entourage of kids, siblings, and nieces and nephews. He also loved attending games, recitals, and other activities that his grandchildren were involved in and taking care of his dog / buddy, Henry.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 32 years, Debbie Sanders and his parents, Roberta Jean and Gaylord Sanders.

Tom will be deeply missed by his daughter, Stacey Freeman and husband Larry (Joey); son, Shaun Petty; daughter, Betty Jean Sanders; 5 grandchildren: Chase Hutcheson and wife Mikylah, Jariah, Madelyn, and Levi Freeman, Cayson Petty and grand-cat Ellie Mae; 1 great-grandchild, Amythist Rose (Rosie); sister, Sherri Sanders and husband Curt; brother, Eddie Reed and wife Becky; sister, Ruth Pittser; sister, Sheila Hutson and husband Warren; brother, Richard Sanders; sister, Teresa Barnett and husband Daryl; sister, Debra Sanders and husband Wesley; brother-in-law, Floyd Praytor and wife Claire; sister-in-law, Angie Bohanan; aunts Elizabeth “Liz” Harris and Evelyn Sanders; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Walker Funeral and Cremation Service on Tuesday, September 5^th from 10-7 with family present to greet friends from 5-7 p.m. A funeral ceremony to honor Tom will be held on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Evangelistic Center Church in Shawnee, Oklahoma. He will be laid to rest with his wife Debbie at a later date.