G. Thomas “TOM” Sanders Jr. went to be with the Lord on May 26, 2012, near Denver, Colo., while on a trip out West with his loving wife and best friend of 47 years.
Tom was born Sept. 19, 1944, to the late George T. Sanders and Eva Elsey Sanders in Winchester, Va. He graduated from Randolph Macon Academy in Front Royal, Va., in 1962. He went on to further his education at Hagerstown Junior College before being hired at Potomac Edison, where he was employed for 32 years. He then started his own business, Sanders Electrical Connection, in 1994.
Tom is survived by his wife, Susan; two children and spouses, son, Scott and Kristin Sanders and daughter, Kristen and Howard Thompson; four grandchildren, Ben and Rachael Thompson and J.C. and Michala Sanders; one sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Moe Scott; and several nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a niece, Katrina Scott.
Tom enjoyed spending as much time as possible at his river cabin outside Front Royal. He enjoyed sharing his favorite spot with family and as many friends as possible. He also enjoyed taking trips in his Corvette with his wife, Susan, to as many new places as possible.
His family was his greatest interest and concern. He always looked forward to hearing about the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. Tom’s own accomplishments began as a very active volunteer firefighter and EMT. He started in Hagerstown, Md., with Pioneer Hook and Ladder Truck 1, continuing with the Front Royal Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad. He was instrumental in assisting with the creation of the Volunteer Rescue Squad in Luray, Va. He served many years with the Hedgesville Volunteer Fire Department as an assistant chief and an instructor.
Tom was one of the leaders of the State Police Explorer Post in Martinsburg. He initiated the white water canoe race in Front Royal. He was a big supporter of the 167th Family Readiness Group, the 4-H Foundation Board, and a member of the Hedgesville United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Potomac Edison Forerunners Club
Tom was a longtime member of the Hedgesville Lions Club, serving as president, vice president and tail twister, enjoying that position the most. He received the Leonard Jarrett Award for his service with the club.
Tom will be lovingly missed at the “River House” by the “Crazy Eights,” his hunting and fishing buddies and his loving family.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 2, 2012, at Brown Funeral Home South Berkeley Chapel, 287 Arden Nollville Road, Inwood, WV 25428, with the Rev. Terri Cofiell and Dr. Rev. George Earle Jr. officiating. Interment will be private.
Family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 1, 2012, and an hour prior to services on Saturday at the funeral home in Inwood.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Hedgesville Lions Club, P.O. Box 882, Hedgesville, WV, 25427 and the Hedgesville Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 35, Hedgesville, WV 25427.
Online condolences may be offered at www.BrownFuneralHomesWV.com.