Robert Thorpe Sanderson

Robert Sanderson passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 10, 2026, at home in Fresno, California. He was 74 years old. His wife and son were with him during his final hours. Robert was the third child of George and Leona Bethke Sanderson. As a baby he was nicknamed “Scooter” because he would grab onto the rails of his crib and scoot it across the bedroom As he grew up he enjoyed playing Little League Baseball and bowling, and became a top competitor in roller skating competitions.

Robert attended Clovis schools from kindergarten through the 12th grade. He graduated from Clovis Senior High School in 1970, where he lettered in Junior Varsity and Varsity Basketball. After high school he attended a four-year apprenticeship program in San Francisco and became a Journeyman Heat and Frost Insulator and Asbestos Workers. He worked for Metal Clad and Isotherm here in the Valley and also traveled throughout California and Nevada. Robert loved his work and the challenges it presented. In 2005, Robert was forced to retire following a knee replacement but always found projects at home to keep himself busy.

In 1977 Robert met Deborah Marvin and they married in 1978. They had two beautiful children together, a son Jared Robert and a daughter Jenae Denise. Together they traveled through life's journey, raising their family, building a home, and creating a life together.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Deborah, and his son, Jared Sanderson, both of Fresno; his daughter, Jenae Boyce and her husband Mitchell, of Knoxville, Tennessee, and his beloved grandchildren, Kassie and Lucas.

He is also survived by two brothers, Michael Sanderson and his wife Claudia of Van Buren, Arkansas, and Fred Sanderson and his wife Verna of Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico, along with two nephews and two nieces.

The family will hold a private memorial luncheon on November 7th.