Thurston Gaylon Sanders

Thurston Gaylon Sanders, 81, of Longview, was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus on Monday, May 20, 2024. Also known as “Pop” or “Papa”, Gaylon was born at his aunt’s house in Rusk County, Texas on September 23, 1942, sharing his birthday with his mom. Gaylon grew up in Marshall and graduated from Marshall High School with the Class of 1961. Gaylon also played baseball for the Mavericks. After high school, he moved to Dallas and worked for Sears & Roebuck Company. He returned to Longview, where he met his beautiful wife Wilma at Longview Missionary Baptist Church and they were married on February 22, 1964. They recently celebrated 60 wonderful years of marriage. Gaylon was a longtime employee of Skaggs Tire Company and Payless Cashways. In June of 2022, he retired as the warehouse manager from Longview ISD after 22 years of service (Go Lobos!). Gaylon is preceded in death by his parents, Thurston & Josie Sanders, his infant son, Robert Wade Sanders, his sister and brother-in-law Jean Stegall (Chester), sister Freida Joy Boaze (Paul), and brother Kendall Wayne Sanders (Wynette). Gaylon is survived by his wife Wilma Hesser Sanders and two daughters, Jalena Branch (Greg), and Sherry Ellsworth (Andy). He was Papa to Cason Ellsworth (Ashley), Austin Ellsworth (Macy), Madison Branch, Elissa Branch, and Dylan Branch, and two great-grandchildren, Reece & Oliver Ellsworth. He is also survived by his sister, Janice Giehl, brothers and sisters-in-law, numerous nieces and nephews, and many, many lifelong friends. Gaylon loved his Lord, loved his family, and loved his church. He was a member of Longview Missionary Baptist Church for 63 years, where he faithfully served as a deacon, church clerk, maintenance and grounds, and in the LMBC Choir. Gaylon loved sports, especially baseball and football. The Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers were his favorites. He also enjoyed cheering on the Longview Lobos and Hallsville Bobcats where his grandkids attended school. During football season, he was teased a lot whenever Longview or Hallsville played Marshall, as he had a habit of wearing a Marshall Maverick shirt tucked underneath his Lobo or Bobcats gear. Gaylon was a quiet and gentle soul and was loved by so many. He is already greatly missed. There will be a visitation for family and friends on Thursday, May 30 from 6-8 PM in the fellowship hall of Longview Missionary Baptist Church, located at 800 E Loop 281 @ Hollybrook. Thank you to Heart to Heart Hospice and Haven Care for caring for our dad. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Longview Missionary Baptist Church The 806 Building Fund.

Thurston Gaylon Sanders

September 23, 1942 - May 20, 2024