Sad Day in Graham, Texas

[Steve Pierce]

So many people have visited Graham over the years and met my friend and uncle by marriage, Joe Sanderson. I wanted to let everyone know of his passing yesterday afternoon after losing his battle with cancer.

I moved to Graham in 1997 and didn't really know anyone. I soon met Joe who owned Sanderson's Restaurant. He would visit the hanger almost everyday between lunch and dinner and we would talk about airplanes. He owned 2 J3s and a PA12 at one time and anyone who has been to Sanderson's has seen the beautiful picture of his 3 Cubs taken from another Cub over Hell's Gate at Possum Kingdom Lake. I ate almost all my meals at Sanderson's while visiting with Joe. He was my confidante and it was like having another family closer to home. One evening I commented that I was never going to meet anyone of the female persuasion unless some gal's airplane broke down in Graham. That is when Joe called his niece, Cathy and I think y'all know the rest of that story.

I know many people from this site have fond memories of eating at Sanderson's and visiting with Joe. I know I do and I shall always cherish those memories. When I was visiting him last week he was in and out due to the medication. He woke up and looked up at me. I laughingly said "What are you doing, dreaming about flying Bonanzas or Cubs?" Though I couldn't hear him I could make out his reply, "Cubs". He will be greatly missed. :cry:

[SteveE]

Sorry for the loss Steve, prayers for the family.

[Bill Rusk]

Steve

My SINCERE condolences. May the Lord Bless you and related family at this time.

Bill

[SJ]

Steve & Cathy,

I really enjoyed the opportunities to meet Joe at your hangar and at his restaurant. I have my "Sanderson's" hat that I wear around Kansas City (as instructed by Joe) since his more famous brother's resturant here (Sanderson's Lunch) is a piece of Kansas City history.

As far as match making goes, it seems to me that he was darn good at it.

Our thoughts are with you as you ponder the loss, and celebrate the great life that he had.

sj

[behindpropellers]

Sorry to hear that, Steve. I enjoyed eating Lunch with you and Joe last time I was there.

Tim

[skunkertx]

hey Steve, Nick here. I never got to meet him, but sounded like my kind of guy. I'll say a prayer for you guys. Take care.

[CraigH]

Joe is going to be sorely missed around here. Every small airport has it's own personality. Joe was a huge part of this airport's personality.

I'm sure Joe is flying right now, without the need for BFR's or medicals. :angel:

[jr.hammack]

steve and cathy,
sorry to hear of joes passing,never is a easy time even if you think your are prepared,he was one of the neat people you meet through life.
it seems like death claims the good ones quicker though,maybe heaven is short of good pilots!!

jr. and family

[Ruidoso Ron]

Cathy and Steve,
I am very sorry to hear about Joe. I also enjoyed my visits with him at your hangar, and at Sandersons. Joe was an especially nice fellow, and I know that you will miss him a lot. Be thankful for the legacy that he has left you.

[DW]

Steve and Cathy--So sorry to here of Joe's passing-- my heart felt condolence's to you and the family.

DW

[Cubman60]

Steve
I lost a father in law years ago to brain cancer. Not something that anyone should have to go through.
My thoughts and prayer are with the family, you and Cathy.
Mark

[cafi19]

Cathy and Steve,

I am so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. I know that he holds a special place in both of your hearts.

Knowing that he had a tough year...I'm sure he is a peace now and you are left with the fond memories that will carry you from here. Smile when you think of him...that is his greatest legacy!

Laura

[irishfield]

So Sorry for the loss Cathy, Steve and families.

[Seaworthy]

Steve,

Condolences to you, Cathy and the children. Joe sounds like a great guy.
Wish I had the opportunity to make his acquaintance.

Tom

[Wayne Mackey]

Steve,
Sorry for yours and Cathys loss. Wayne

[Cajun Joe]

Steve, Cathy...
My regrets and my heart go out to you.
Yet, I can't help but think a lot of Joe will live on
through that sandy haired hangar rat of yours...
Do good friends who are also matchmakers
possibly pass on their genes?

[CaptFox]

Cathy and Steve,

Sorry to hear about your loss... I'm sure he will be missed. :angel:

David.

[skagwaypilot]

So many people have visited Graham over the years and met my friend and uncle by marriage, Joe Sanderson. I wanted to let everyone know of his passing yesterday afternoon after losing his battle with cancer.

I moved to Graham in 1997 and didn't really know anyone. I soon met Joe who owned Sanderson's Restaurant. He would visit the hanger almost everyday between lunch and dinner and we would talk about airplanes. He owned 2 J3s and a PA12 at one time and anyone who has been to Sanderson's has seen the beautiful picture of his 3 Cubs taken from another Cub over Hell's Gate at Possum Kingdom Lake. I ate almost all my meals at Sanderson's while visiting with Joe. He was my confidante and it was like having another family closer to home. One evening I commented that I was never going to meet anyone of the female persuasion unless some gal's airplane broke down in Graham. That is when Joe called his niece, Cathy and I think y'all know the rest of that story.

I know many people from this site have fond memories of eating at Sanderson's and visiting with Joe. I know I do and I shall always cherish those memories. When I was visiting him last week he was in and out due to the medication. He woke up and looked up at me. I laughingly said "What are you doing, dreaming about flying Bonanzas or Cubs?" Though I couldn't hear him I could make out his reply, "Cubs". He will be greatly missed. :cry:

Steve, what a wonderful eulogy for someone that you will miss very much. You were lucky to have him as a friend and family member. And he was fortunate to have a family who loved him. Thank you for sharing your memories of Joe. I offer my most sincere condolences.
Chuck B..

[6 short]

Sorry for your loss. I hope you folks find peace.

Pat Gallahue

[Brian Fox]

Steve and Cathy, I'm sure sorry to hear of your loss. I was only in Graham one time and unfortunately, didn't have the pleasure of meeting Joe.... My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Brian

[sadams]

Steve and Kathy, Sorry for you loss and thanks for sharing your story.

Stephen Adams

[HATIN11R]

Steve......sorry to hear about your uncle Joe.We will lift up your whole family in our nightly prayers.Keep the faith my friend.......Herman

[windy]

Steve and Cathy, sorry to hear about your Uncle Joe. My condolences to you and your family.
windy

[Pro from Dover]

Cathy and Steve,

Very sorry to hear about your loss... Joe was one of the original all-around good guys. I feel honored to have met and spent time with him. Joe will be missed but never forgotten. A true pillar of the Graham aviation community.

Bill & Martha Goebel