Thomas Franklin Sanders of Springfield, Missouri passed away in his home the afternoon of February 1 after a long battle with cancer. Tom was born in Barnes City, Iowa, in 1934 to Harold and Zelma Sanders. He would have celebrated his 84th birthday February 8. Tom attended Barnes City Schools and graduated from Barnes City High School in 1951. Tom married Louise Faye Johnson on June 14, 1953. Shortly after, he served in the Navy before going on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies from Central Bible Institute (CBI) in Springfield, MO.
While attending CBI, Tom began his ministry at The Assembly of God Headquarters. Upon graduation in 1963, Tom served for 3 years as the pastor of March Assembly of God Church while continuing his work at AG Headquarters. His AG career spanned 37 years in leadership roles including Sunday School Curriculum, Advertising, and finally Marketing and Distribution. On occasion, he would be by the break cart telling a corny joke. His coworkers may have laughed at the same joke over and over, but everyone loved his sense of humor.
One of Tom’s greatest joys was spending time with his family—including trips to Iowa to visit relatives and camping with his daughters. This tradition continued with his grandchildren on annual summer campouts. Another passion of Tom’s was playing shortstop on the church softball team—The Classics. When not playing softball or at his children’s activities, he loved golfing and would say his game needed work. Once Tom retired in 1996, he turned his construction talent into a nearly 15-year volunteering project for the MAPS RV Ministry. His project took him all over the United States where he worked on buildings for churches, colleges, camps and Teen Challenge Centers.
Tom was preceded in death by his father Harold, mother Zelma, sister Evelyn and brothers Lester and Max. He is survived by his wife Louise; sister-in-law Mary Sanders of Kalona, IA; daughter Julie and husband David Bixler of Springfield, MO; daughter Lisa and husband Kevan Torgerson, of Roswell, GA; and daughter Pamela and husband Matt Stringer, of Nixa, MO. Grandchildren Meredith Bixler Lewis and husband Ryan, Amanda Bixler Fronzaglia and husband Brian, Kayla Torgerson Forbes and husband Newton, Nathan Torgerson and wife Mary Beth, Whitney Bixler Wade and husband Garett, Claire Stringer, and Brody Stringer. Tom is also survived by 3 great-grandchildren as well as nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Monday, February 5, at Central Assembly of God Church, located at 1301 N. Boonville, Springfield, MO. Funeral services will follow the visitation at 2 p.m. and a graveside ceremony will be held at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in Springfield, MO.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Convoy of Hope located at 330 S. Patterson Ave., Springfield, MO 65802, www.convoyofhope.org, and 417-823-8998.
Tom, enjoy your well-deserved trip to your heavenly home. One day we will see you again.

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