Thomas Dale Sanders was born to Calvin Oliver and Clara Adams Sanders in Henderson, Texas on December 2, 1946. Early in his life, the family moved to Pecos, Texas where he graduated from Pecos High School in 1965. He attended The University of Texas at Austin where he received a Bachelor of Science in Education and graduated in 1970. Thomas also received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1985 from The University of Texas at Arlington.
Thomas was hired by the Trinity River Authority in 1979, and served as Construction Services Manager for many years. He loved his profession and was grateful for those with whom he worked. Thomas always said if you choose a job you love, you will never have to work a day in your life.
One of his main passions was woodworking and he enjoyed using his techniques and talents to create mementos for family and friends. He loved working on cars. Thomas and his son, Adam, restored his first car together, a beautiful 1966 red Mustang. Later, he devoted himself to restoring a 1955 Chevy Belaire, identical to the one he had in high school where he and his sweetheart spent time cruising around together. The outdoors was very important to Thomas. He enjoyed yard work, spending time around the pool, grilling and quality time with kids and grandkids.
Thomas was a member of Lamar Baptist Church, in Arlington, where he and Becky attended. His Christian friendships were important to him through the years. He enjoyed participating in activities that involved serving others. Thomas loved the Lord and was devoted to His Word and aspired to serve Him.
Thomas is survived by his wife, Rebecca Butts Sanders and children, Amanda Fowler and husband, Keith, of Oak Point, TX, Adam Sanders and wife, Laura, of Conroe, TX, bonus children, Julie Moore of Euless, TX and Teri Beach and husband, Sid, of Lubbock, TX, Paul Levingston and wife, Sherrie, of Lake Charles, LA, along with 4 grandchildren, bonus grandchildren, and extended family and friends.
Thomas is proceeded in death by his parents, Oliver and Clara Sanders, his brother, Don Sanders, and his late wife, Melba Luker Sanders.
Thomas always appreciated flowers but he also had a special charity: Samaritan’s Purse.
A visitation for Thomas will be held Friday, March 18, 2022 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Moore Funeral Home, 1219 North Davis Drive, Arlington, TX 76012. A funeral service will occur Saturday, March 19, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Lamar Baptist Church, 1000 W Lamar Blvd, Arlington, TX 76012. A committal service will occur Saturday, March 19, 2022 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Moore Memorial Gardens, 1219 North Davis Drive, Arlington, TX 76012.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.moore-funeralhome.com for the Sanders family.
I was supposed to spend
the rest of my life with you
and then I realized
you spent the rest of your life with me.
I smile because I know you
loved me until the day you went away
and I will keep loving you
until the day we're together again.
