Wanda Ruth York Sanders
January 26, 1940
June 6, 2026
McCauley Funeral Home
It is with sadness we announce that Wanda Ruth York Sanders passed from this earthly life on June 6, 2026, at age 86 after a lengthy struggle with dementia but we celebrate her life! Wanda was born on January 26, 1940, in Freestone County, Texas, the second of four children of Ernest Bradford York and Beulah Lee Cate York. Wanda attended school in Fairfield and graduated from Fairfield High School in 1958. Following graduation, Wanda continued to work for Ivy’s Dry Goods in Fairfield. In June 1960, Wanda married her high school sweetheart, John Ashley Sanders, and they enjoyed sixty years of marriage until John’s passing in April 2021. John and Wanda had two sons, John Ashley Sanders, Jr., born in 1962, and Gregory Alan Sanders, born in 1967. Wanda was a devoted wife and mother who loved and provided for her family faithfully. In 1963, a work transfer for John brought John and Wanda to Franklin. While in Franklin, Wanda worked as a bookkeeper for M&M Farm Supply for several years, and then she worked for Love Abstract & Title Company as a bookkeeper and partner from 1978 until her retirement in 2006. Wanda became a Christian in her youth and was a faithful servant of God. John and Wanda were long-term, faithful members of First Baptist Church of Franklin where John served as a Deacon and Wanda sang in the choir and taught Sunday School, including the Ladies’ Ruth Class for many years. Wanda was also a hostess for many showers over the years given in the church and the community. Wanda had a keen sense of style in how she dressed, had a great sense of humor, and was an awesome cook. There was also a time she enjoyed playing tennis with her ladies’ group. Wanda loved the Lord, her husband, and her family. Wanda was preceded in death by her parents and husband John mentioned above, along with her brother Ernest Bradford “Sonny” York, Jr. Wanda is survived by sons John and wife, Kim of Huntsville, and Greg, and wife Deanne of Franklin. She is also survived by sisters Gwen Steen of Teague, and Nelma Webb and brother-in-law Danny Webb of McGregor. She is also survived by brother-in-law Jerry Don Sanders and wife, Claudia of Fairfield. Wanda is survived by five grandchildren: Kelsey Clark and husband Chris, Chase Sanders and wife Emilie, Karly Keith and husband Cason, Bailey Elliott and husband Dylan, and Ashley Sanders. Wanda is survived by nine great grandchildren and one on the way: Anna and Caleb Clark, Coleman, Peyton, and Ella Sanders, Hudson, Landry, and Wyatt Keith, and Thomas and Baby Girl Elliott. The family would like to thank the Memory Support staff at Creekside Methodist Retirement Communities in Huntsville, who faithfully cared for Wanda in a loving and positive way for five years. Accordingly, if you prefer, donations may be made to MRC Creekside Covenant benevolent fund in Huntsville of the Methodist Retirement Communities, or First Baptist Church, Franklin in lieu of flowers. MRC Creekside Covenant Fund 1433 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, Huntsville, Texas 77340 First Baptist Church, Franklin, Texas P.O. Box 365 Franklin, Texas 77856. Services will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 1:00 P.M. at the First Baptist Church Franklin, Texas. A Burial will follow in the Lake Chapel Cemetery in Fairfield, Texas at 4:30 P.M. The family will receive visitors on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at McCauley Funeral Home in Franklin, Texas.
Forrest Wayne McCormick
July 13, 1933
June 9, 2026
Memorial Funeral Home
Forrest Wayne McCormick passed away peacefully at his home just outside of Hearne, Texas, on the afternoon of June 9, 2026. He was 92 years old. Wayne was born in Hearne on July 13, 1933, to Coan Forest (“C.F.”) McCormick and Johnnie Starkey McCormick. He was the eldest of two sons, and he and his younger brother, Melvin, shared a remarkably close bond throughout their lives. Wayne graduated from Hearne High School in 1952 and soon afterward answered the call to serve his country in the United States Air Force. Upon completing his service, he was invited to re-enlist, a testament to the respect he earned during his time in the military. After returning home, he reconnected with family and friends and, on a double date in 1957, met the love of his life, Wilma Lee Smith. Their courtship was brief but certain, and they were married in January 1959. Later that year, they welcomed their daughter, Sabrina, into the world. During those early years of marriage, Wayne and Wilma enjoyed square dancing and spending time with close friends and family. Their family grew again in 1970 with the birth of their son, Michael. Wayne spent most of his career in the oil and gas industry, first working for Lone Star Gas and later for Texaco, where he remained for more than 30 years. Away from work, he found joy in taking his family to the lake, woodworking, and sharing afternoon coffee with his parents. Those who knew Wayne likely received one of his handmade creations—a piece of furniture, a trash bin, or a custom entrance sign. Many of his signs can still be seen along farm-to-market roads throughout the county. He was also mechanically gifted and could repair almost anything that needed attention. One of Wayne’s greatest pleasures was spending time outdoors with his family. During the warmer months, weekends often meant packing up and heading to a favorite lake or campground. Over time, those trips led to a permanent place on Lake Limestone, which became a gathering place for family and friends and, in many ways, served as the heart of countless family memories. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Coan Forrest McCormick and Johnnie Starkey McCormick; his brother, Melvin McCormick; and his son, Michael McCormick. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Wilma McCormick; his daughter, Sabrina Saladino, and son-in-law, Vince Saladino; his grandchildren, Andrew Saladino and wife Brittany, Seth McCormick, and Lily McCormick; and his great-grandchildren, Ellie Saladino and Charlotte Saladino. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Brenda McCormick; his nieces, especially Melinda, Melissa, Melanie, and Michelle; nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, and many cherished friends.
