Forum: Oklahomatidbits.com General Forum (go)
Moderators:  /  David Smith Jr

God I'm going to miss this guy. The years I spent at the gate next to Sluggo, were some of the best memories I'll have. After moving to the inside of the track as a official, I always looked forward to coming back across after a night of racing, to make the walk with Tom & to hear the stories he used to tell me all night long, when I was at the gate. Like most of us, we had that attitude some nights inside the fence, but away we were all a racing family and Tom was the same way. I would see him have to be stern with drivers & crew, but then feel terrible because he use to be on the other side of the argument, when he was driving. Times when an official would question the driving of a racer & Tom would take up for the driver & explain from the driver's point of view. The many times Tom & Debbie offered up their home for after season get togethers, without any hesitation. After going back to work at nights & not being able to spend time at the speedway, Tom was always the first one to say hi & act like I had never been gone. Like other people have said, I don't think it will hit me that he's gone, until that first night of racing, when he's not at the gate.

We'll all miss you "SLUGGO" & our prayers go out to Debbie and her family.

"Be A Difference Maker"

Maybe when the 2009 season rolls around Sluggo's passing can be a reminder that, even with the dollars involved, it's just racing, and when we're tempted to get irrational, perhaps perspective can carry the day.

"I'd pay $15 to watch a sprint car sit still."

hate to hear about that. He was a different breed. I'm sure everybody has stories of him from both sides, rather he mad us drivers mad or made a joke when we needed it most.

I remember when I first started racing on 2000 I got into a wreck and broke center link, I got it stopped by the gate, Tom gave me the its broke signal so I sat there and watched the race, after the race was over Tom drove over and said, You don't have to have a racecar to come out and watch, better luck next time. I laughed at it, kinda turned around my nite, wasn't upset about wrecking anymore.

RIP Tom Sanders

When I started racing factory, all the numbers that I choose was taken so I ask Tom just to pick a good one for me that it did not matter to me so he chose #70 which I found out later was his old one.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family & friends. This came as a complete shock to me. I wish I could help...San Antonio, Texas is a long ways, but I am there in spirit. God rest his soul and help his family find comfort in the good and positive things he did for the racing community.

Leta Marquez f/k/a Leta Patterson

Leta Patterson Marquez
San Antonio, Texas

Our track will never seem to be same without Tom! We surely will miss him, we will never forget all the times we have had.

The Allen Family,

http://www.mem.com/Story.aspx?ID=2740968

I've posted a lot of links for guestbooks and memorials at my site, but this one at mem.com is the best I've seen. Make sure you click on the movie link or at least the images.

This memorial which is linked from the funeral home and also has a guestbook.

And of course the one I have used mostly http://www.legacy.com/oklahoman/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=120959555 there is already some signings in this guestbook.

Warren Vincent
Cans 4 Kansas Heroes

its yet another reminder. not a single person can make it through life without being affected by cancer in some way. directly or indirectly. and its a reminder of how everyone - literally everyone -  really needs to step up efforts to find a cure and defeat this terrible terrible thing. its not just donations for the search for a cure. but support of those who are battling it as well as their families. there are many ways to contribute. so many....

My prayers go out to the Sanders family - and all friends as well.

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