Johnny Sanders Obituary

A visitation for Johnny Wayne Sanders, 75, of Marshall, Texas will be held Monday, August 19, 2024 from 5:30 – 8:00p.m. at Downs Funeral Home, Marshall, Texas. Johnny passed away Tuesday, August 13, 2024 with his son, Johnny Wayne Sanders, Jr, daughter, Kay Sanders Oney, and son-in-law, Lonnie Oney by his side. Johnny Wayne Sanders was born December 31,1948 to Jasper Jackson Sanders and Onise Ava Harrison Sanders.

Johnny was a proud father of 4, grandfather of 7, and great-grandfather to 8 little rugrats. Growing up in the 40’s and 50’s, Johnny was raised to be tough and showing emotion wasn’t always easy for him, but when you heard him talk about one of his kids or grandkids, you knew he was proud. He often reminisced about his childhood, sharing stories of family, friends, and memories made. One passion he carried throughout his life was that of fishing; a passion he shared with his wife of 33 years, Dovie Allen Sanders who preceded him in death in 2010. Johnny and Dovie married in Hot Springs, Arkansas on June 23, 1977. Together Johnny and Dovie raised 4 children, Johnny Wayne Sanders, Kay Sanders Oney, Jeffery Carrol Davidson, and Don Michael Davidson. Johnny and Dovie spent years bowling in leagues, back when that was a thing. He was also an avid 42 player, and when he won, if you looked closely, you would see a smile on his face.

During his life Johnny learned many trades, and when his health would no longer allow him to do the work, he had no problem giving “tips” on how to get things done. Johnny was a carpenter for many years and worked for several builders including Harry Brown, Sonny Neal, and Larry Sloan. In later years he worked for Nash Trucking and was also a self-employed truck driver. After retirement he worked alongside his son-in-law, Lonnie Oney, helping move houses on occasion.

Johnny is survived by his children, Johnny Wayne Sanders, Jr, and wife, Cindy; Kay Sanders Oney, and husband, Lonnie; Jeffery Davidson; Don Davidson and wife, Maria; his beloved grandchildren, Brittney Paige Davidson; Kyle Wayne Oney and wife, Brittney; Hunter Louis Smith; Madison Marie Pitts, and husband, Blake; Elizabeth LouAnn Sanders; Justin Cole Davidson; Ashlyn Nicole Davidson; and great-children, Brooklynn Grace Oney, Elaina Joy Griffin, Landon Blake Pitts, Dovie Raye-Ann Oney, Kashtyn Louis Sanders, Braeleigh Mae Pitts, Navaeh Young, and Smirya Davis. Also surviving Johnny is his furry companion, Princess.

Preceding Johnny in death were his parents, Jasper and Onise; wife, Dovie; sisters, Elizabeth Ann Bagwell, and Betty Jo Morgan; brother, Jackie Norman Sanders; and best friend, Larry Warner.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the nurses and caretakers at Marshall Manor Nursing Home and Marshall Homecare & Hospice who took excellent care of Johnny in his last months. Marshall Manor Nurses and Aides: Clarissa Logan, Melissa Aguilar & Chip, Christi Morris, and Constance Moseley. Marshall Homecare & Hospice nurses: Shelby Castle and Tamika.