Henry Sanders

In the early morning of Sunday, July 7th, Henry Chris Sanders peacefully passed away at his home at the age of 91. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 11, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Clifton. Burial will follow at Clifton Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:30-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 10, at Clifton Funeral Home.

Henry was born to Otto & Betty (Sicko) Sanders in Crawford, Texas on the warm day of September 25th, 1927. Henry was baptized February 26, 1928 at St. John Lutheran in Coryell City and was confirmed in 1942 at St. Paul Lutheran in Crawford. Henry attended Prairie Chapel school.

At an early age, Henry found a passion for farming and ranching; he continued this passion for the rest of his life. Henry and his dad farmed in the Crawford and Mosheim areas for several years. Then in 1950, they moved to Clifton to the late Will Manske place. It was there that Henry and his dad made 81 bales of cotton in 1953 and were both awarded a Stetson hat for ginning the most cotton from Solberg Gin.

It was on June 2nd, 1956 that he married the love of his life, Ora Marie Wiese, of Cranfills Gap, Texas. To this union, 8 children were born: William Wayne, Janet Dianne, David Glenn (Pee Wee), Lisa Dawn, Betty Louise, Virginia Marie, Johnnie Edward and Christopher James.

In the late 1950’s, Henry bought his first combine. He and Marie did custom combining for many farmers. He also hauled grain to the Kimbell Milling late at night. Henry also raised baby calves on the bottle for extra income for many, many years.

In 1962, Henry and his family moved to the Mosheim area and lived there 5 years prior to buying their place 4 miles west of Clifton where they have continued to reside. In the late 60’s, Henry purchased a hay cutter and a self-propelled hay bailer. Henry bailed thousands of bales of hay all over Bosque County for 25¢ a bale. As business picked up, he purchased another self-propelled hay bailer and put his 2 sons, William and David, on them while he cut the hay. As Will & David would say, “Dad’s got bionic eyes” because although they were on different sides of the river, he knew when they had trouble and would come saying “Oh, boys what did you tear up this time” (plus a few extra words). He continued hay bailing, custom combining and plowing for many years.

Henry was a great provider for the family. He always ensured that there was plenty of food on the table as well as all other necessities. Henry loved to do garden work. He was known for his good juicy cantaloupes which he took pride in growing along with other vegetables. He loved to share his garden crop with his many friends.

Henry lived a good life. It was rough at times, but he enjoyed it. He was a hard worker who taught his children how to be good hard workers too. He always said, “If you can’t do your job right, don’t do it at all.” Henry was proud of his family and was a one of a kind man- always friendly.

Until his health began to decline just over a year ago, Henry could be found in the seat of his John Deere tractor plowing and sowing his oat crops and checking his cattle on a daily basis. As everyone knew, no one could do it like him.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents; 4 brothers; 3 sisters; and a daughter, Lisa Dawn.

He is survived by his wife, Ora Marie, of 63 years and his children: William Sanders and wife, Donna; Janet Evans and husband, Jimmy; David Sanders; Betty Gardner and husband, Brett; Virginia Anderson and husband Gary; Johnnie Sanders; Christopher Sanders and wife, Michelle; his 18 grandchildren; and his 15 great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Clifton or Hospice Sunset, Clifton.