Lyndel "Ray" Sanders

Lyndel “Ray” Sanders, 85, passed away at his home in Thornton, Texas on December 5, 2020.  A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 7, 2020 in the Ferguson Cemetery with Bro. Ben David Watson officiating.

Ray was born April 10, 1935 in Thornton, Texas.  After graduating from high school, he entered Texas A&M and graduated in 1957 with a Bachelor’s Degree.  Ray served his country in the U. S. Army from 1957-1965 earning the rank of 1st Lieutenant.  He retired from Conoco Oil Company, in Denver, after 44 years of service as an Accountant.

Ray married his lifelong partner, Mary Ruth Jourden, on October 4, 1958 in Houston.  They were blessed with two children, Dena Denise and Bradley Ray and eventually, two grandchildren and three great grandchildren.  He was very proud of his family and enjoyed spending time with them, especially, the grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Although Ray lived in Houston for many years, he never outgrew his love for the country so, after he retired, they moved back to Thornton.  He always had a love for horses and music.  His band, Ray Sanders Band, played at many Community Centers on numerous occasions.  He also served as President of Robertson County Fire Fighters Association and was a longtime active member of the Lake Limestone Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Bessie Sanders.

Ray is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Ruth Sanders of Thornton; daughter, Dena Denise Crosbie and husband, Ed of Martinsburg, West Virginia; son, Bradley Ray Sanders of Denver, Colorado; grandchildren, William Ray Crosbie and wife, Anne Marie of Martinsburg, West Virginia and Chad Edward Crosbie and wife, Emily of Winchester, Virginia; and great grandchildren, Addie, Clark and Kyle Crosbie.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ferguson Cemetery, P. O. Box 283, Groesbeck, TX 76642.