Sanford (Sam) Thomas passed from his earthly home to his eternal reward on June 17, 2018, at Fairlawn Haven Nursing Home, in Archbold. Sanford was born in Thomas Mills, Pennsylvania, to Newton and Mary (Livingston) Thomas on June 20, 1930.  He married Maxine (Aeschliman) Thomas on November 14, 1953. Sanford lived in Thomas Mills until he and Maxine moved with their family to the Archbold area in 1966.   Sanford worked and retired from Sauder Woodworking Co. in 1993. After retiring Sanford and Maxine spent many years wintering in Florida. Sanford enjoyed volunteering especially at the Fulton County Senior Center.

He is survived by three daughters, Bonnie (Steve) Heatwole, Becky (Reid) Short, and Audrey (Scott) Burkholder, all of Archbold; eight grandchildren, Roy-Al (Becky) Short, Ruby (Nick) Leininger, Rob (Emily) Short, Sara (Javy) Bojorquez, Eddie (Rachelle) Burkholder, Ben (Jessica) Heatwole, Reilly Short, and Katy Burkholder; eleven great-grandchildren, Riah Short, Rusty Short, Emma Leininger, Caden Leininger, Zachary Short, Collin Short, Opie Leininger, Keaton Burkholder, Noah Gorr, Nathaniel Heatwole, and MaKenna Burkholder; sister-in laws, Barb Aeschliman, of Archbold; Nancy Thomas and Izzie Keim of Davidsville, Pennsylvania

He was preceded in death by, his wife, his parents, brothers Millard, Willard and Boyd Thomas; and two sisters Wilma Spiegle and Rheda Keim

Visitation for Sanford Thomas will be held from 2 – 8 PM on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at Short Funeral Home, Archbold, Ohio. Burial will be at the Pettisville Cemetery at 10:00 am with Memorial Service at 11 AM at Central Mennonite Church on Thursday June 21, 2018.  Memorials are suggested to the donor's favorite charity.