Tom Sanders

GILBERT - Retired Sgt. First Class Tom Sanders, of Gilbert, SC died Friday, October 25, 2013. He was born May 17, 1925. He is the son of the late Eleazer N. and Tulah Floyd Sanders of Conway, SC. Mr. Sanders served his country as a Combat Medic in Paton’s Third Army during World War II from 1943 – 1945 and also served in the Korean Conflict. He retired in 1966. His decorations include Bronze Star, The combat medical badge, American campaign medal, Korean service medal, WWII victory medal and the occupational medal (Japan) for service during the war as well as others during his military career.

During his military career, he was trained and received a degree as a Medical Technologist and worked in medical research until his retirement in 1966. After retiring from the US Army, Tom worked as a MT at Conway Hospital. He then moved to Lake City, SC and ran the lab at Lower Florence County Hospital, then retired from Roche Bio Med Laboratory in Columbia, SC.

He was hand selected as a recipient of the American Medical Technology Association’s Distinguished Achievement Award in 1980.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Molsie Sanders and brothers, Ausie, Gurley, Arthur, J.K, Jack, Don and Ford; his daughter, Linda Anne and grandson, John Christopher Sanders.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine Granlund of 64 years; daughters, Karen Brockway, of Greenville, SC, Theresa Woods, of Starr, SC and sons, John of Gilbert, SC, James of Indianapolis, IN and Richard, of Birmingham, AL; grandchildren, Michelle Marshal, Lucy Sanders, Justin and Patrick Dennis, Tarah, Christina and Tabitha Sanders; great-grandchildren, Trystan and Alexander Eubanks.

He is a member of American Legion Post 142 and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was also Past Commander of the American Legion Post in Lake City, SC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or any other charity of your choice.

Visitation will be Monday, October 28, 2013 from 5:00-7:00p.m. The Funeral service will be Tuesday, October 29, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Irmo/ St. Andrews Chapel, 5400 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29212. Due to scheduling, the graveside service will be in Fort Jackson National Cemetery on Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at 11:00 a.m.