Leonard Sanders

Leonard “Tom” Russell Sanders, son of the late Douglas Morse and Mattie Lou (Lannom) Sanders, was born November 19, 1948, in Lebanon, Tennessee, and departed this life June 22, 2022, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, following a short illness. He was 73 years, 7 months, and 3 days of age.

Tom grew up the youngest of four siblings, being the only son, on the family farm near Lebanon, Tennessee. Growing up with four older sisters and being so tiny, he was doted over, spoiled rotten, and used as their baby doll when they were playing house.

He moved to Mountain Grove in May of 2005, and he resided there until his passing.

Tom was a simple man with a huge heart. He loved to feel needed and would do anything to help anyone. He enjoyed riding his side-by-side and had several people around Mountain Grove collecting cans for him to cash in for extra money. He was shy with strangers, but if you aggravated and cut up with him, you’d made a friend for life.

He loved running errands for his niece, Brittnee Byerley, at the insurance office. He thrived on the attention from “the girls at the bank, the pharmacy, and the café where he ate.” He especially loved harassing the mail lady.

Besides his parents and grandparents, Tom was preceded in death by his sisters, Edna Rovene Brumley, Jessie Nell Wood, and Nettie Ruth Godwin.

He is survived by his sister, Lou Cannon of Mountain Grove, Missouri, numerous nieces and nephews who loved him dearly and will miss him greatly.

The family would like to thank each and every one that showed kindness to Tom, knowing that he had some challenges but overlooking them and treating him with respect. Your kindness will never be forgotten.