Sanders "Sandy" Eugene Thornburgh, Sr.

In Loving Memory of Sanders “Sandy” Eugene Thornburgh, Sr.(October 4, 1943 – August 13, 2025)Beloved Husband, Father, Brother, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, and Friend

On August 13, 2025, after a battle with cancer, Sanders Eugene Thornburgh, Sr. peacefully returned to his Heavenly Father, surrounded in his home by those he loved. His departure was marked not by sorrow alone, but by gratitude for a life so deeply and fully lived. Sanders was blessed with 58 years of marriage to his beloved wife, Mary Elizabeth (Barlow) Thornburgh, with whom he built a family, shared dreams, and walked hand-in-hand through life’s joys and challenges. They married on September 30, 1967, and together raised twelve children: Sanders, Julie, Adam, Thomas, Patrick, Daniel, Robert, Laura, Emily, Katie, Jeremy, and Molly. He cherished his wife and children with a love that knew no bounds, guiding them with gentle wisdom and pride in their accomplishments. Known affectionately as “PeePaw” and “Pop,” he also leaves behind sixty-two grandchildren and great-grandchildren who adored him and will forever carry the warmth of his love in their hearts.

Sanders served his country in the United States Navy and was a Vietnam War veteran. After his service, he worked for New Jersey Bell for 28 years before retiring and moving his family to West Virginia, where he was employed by Simonton Windows for 10 years. In 2016, Sandy and Mary celebrated a shared achievement by earning their Associate Degrees together from WVU-Parkersburg.

He is also survived by his brother, Doug Harrison, and sister-in-law, Susan. Sanders was preceded in death by his parents, his son Jeremy, and his grandson Andrew—whose absences he felt deeply and with whom he is now reunited in peace.

A man of unwavering faith, Sanders was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a Scoutmaster for years and as a counselor in the Bishopric in New Jersey and also as Branch President in Pennsboro, West Virginia, for over a decade. He also loved teaching many age groups in Sunday classes over the years. Sandy and Mary also served a senior mission for their church in Camden, New Jersey. His life reflected the Savior’s call to serve: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40). He gave freely of his time, energy, and resources to those in need—whether feeding the hungry, visiting the sick, clothing the cold, or offering words of comfort to the downtrodden. To Sanders, service was not a duty but a privilege—an opportunity to show God’s love in action. Friends, neighbors, and even strangers were drawn to his kindness, his humility, and his quiet but steadfast example of Christlike living.

Family was at the center of Sanders’ world. He traveled across the country with his beautiful wife, Mary, to spend precious time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, attending school performances, sporting events, graduations, and family gatherings. No matter the distance, he made it clear to his family that they were worth every mile.

In the home, he was a guiding light—teaching lessons of honesty, compassion, and perseverance and would often remind his children to “remember who you are and what you stand for.” His words and deeds encouraged his children and grandchildren to live with integrity, to work hard, and to always remain devoted to family.

Though his faith and devotion were the pillars of his life, Sanders also brought joy and laughter wherever he went. With a quick wit and a playful heart, he was known for lighthearted pranks, even up until his death—keeping his children and grandchildren laughing. His humor was a gift, a reminder that joy and faith walk hand in hand.

Sanders’ legacy is one of love, selflessness, and steadfast devotion—to God, to family, and to others. His life was a living example of John 13:34: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you.” Sanders’ love for his family, friends, and strangers transcended both space and time. His family and friends take comfort in knowing that Sanders lived exactly as he hoped to be remembered: as a true disciple of Christ, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a man whose heart was big enough to hold everyone he met. Though he will be dearly missed, his influence will echo through generations, and his love will never fade.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 19, from 5:00–8:00 p.m. at Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home, 3005 Grand Central Ave, Vienna, WV 26105.

Celebration of Life will be Wednesday, August 20, at 10:00 a.m., with a short visitation at 9:00 a.m. prior to the service, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2515 Capital Dr., Parkersburg, WV 26101. Burial will immediately follow at Putnam Cemetery, Marietta, OH.

During services, stories will be shared, tears will be shed, and laughter will abound in his honor—just as he would want. In lieu of flowers, friends and loved ones are welcome to donate to Cawley Hospice, 2730 Washington Blvd, Belpre, Ohio 45714 or St. Jude’s Hospital.