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Michael Sands Obituary
ZANESVILLE: Michael P. Sands, 59, of Zanesville, went to be with his Lord on Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011 at Genesis Hospice and Palliative Care, following a courageous 16 month battle with brain cancer. He was born in Zanesville on December 24, 1951 to Delores (Ralph) Miley and the late Mark Richard Sands, Sr.
Mike loved working the gate at 4-H horse shows and boating on the Muskingum River. He was also a proud Maysville soccer dad and could be seen at each game cheering on his favorite team. He was a retired investigator for Muskingum County Child Support Services and proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. Mike was a member of the American Legion, Muskingum Valley Boat Club (Past Commodore), Muskingum River Advisory Board, Port-O-Morgan Boat Club, All Ohio Show Horse Association (past Trustee), and was an advisor for Hoofbeats 4-H Club. He was a member of St. Johns Lutheran Church in Stovertown. Mike was known for his passion for preservation of the historic Muskingum County lock systems and promotion of the Muskingum River. He was a patriotic hero and served his country bravely. Mike was a proud and loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend.
Michael is survived by his wife of 31 years, Susan Sands; his mother of Waldo; one son, Richard Sands; four daughters, Kristine Fisher, Erika Daniels, Heather Sands and Megan Sands; three brothers, Mark Sands Jr., Tony (Alice) Sands and John Sands; two sisters, Yvonne (Ron) Emerson and Di Sauder; step-mother, Mozelle Sands; seven grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Keith (Carol) and Robert (Bobbie) Edwards; and his wonderful dog, Soldier.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Darla Sands of Waldo; his father, Mark Sands Sr. of Waldo; and his mother-in-law and father in-law, Leonard and Lucy Edwards of Zanesville.
Thank you to all family and friends for supporting Mike and his family during this challenging time. From the very beginning the community has been very supportive and encouraging. Mike LOVED LIVING in ZANESVILLE!
Calling hours will be held from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, April 28, 2011 at Snouffer Funeral Home, 1150 W. Military Rd., Zanesville. Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 29, 2011 at 11 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Stovertown with Pastor Catrina Hawkins-Bowles officiating. Burial will follow in St. John's Lutheran Church Cemetery.
Memorial donations can be sent to St. John's Lutheran Church, 6575 Center Road, Roseville or to The Muskingum County Community Foundation, 534 Putnam Avenue, Zanesville. Donations to the Community Foundation will benefit youth in the 4-H program and the Muskingum River Locks system.
To send the Sands family a note of condolence visit www.snoufferfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Sands
Kathy Hancock
May 15, 2011
Susan & Family,
Often wishing we were not so many miles away from family. May God continue to comfort and encourage all of you.
Blessings of his peace and love.
Sincere Sympathy
Kathy & Toby Hancock
C Shaw
May 13, 2011
Michael, I did not have the pleasure of knowing you personally, but know your daughter, Heather! You must know your legacy lives on with such a special young lady! Her smile lights up a room, her passion for youth is amazing and her work ethic and positive attitude shines! Susan, may memories and family sustain you as you cope with your new reality without your husband. Love and prayers to your entire family at this difficult time!
Joyce Carmichael
May 5, 2011
Susan, I'm so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He and I worked together at the Child Support office. He was such a nice person. May God comfort you and your family.
Donna Hern
May 1, 2011
Susan and family
We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Dayrl and Donna Hern
Liz Denman Pfendler
April 29, 2011
Dear family of Mike,
I was so sorry to hear about Mike's illness and subsequent demise. When we were little we had alot of wonderful family times. It is a shame we were unable to maintain that closeness. Please know that my heart reaches out to all of you and that you are in my prayers today and in the difficult days ahead. Blessings. Cousin Liz
Cassie Martinez
April 29, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. May you all have the strength to hold each other together on this extremely difficult day! Mike is no longer suffering, and that is a blessing in itself! God bless the entire family!
Jimmy & Cheri McCleese
April 29, 2011
You will be so sadly missed by all. You thought of our daughter as she is going through her battle of cancer to send a Prayer Quilt. That was so thoughtful and we love you for that.
Will Always Love You
April 28, 2011
Susan and family, God bless you all during this very stressful time. We are so sorry for your great loss of a wonderful man that you loved and he knew it. Your friends always, Joey and Sam and Freda.
Mary Bowen
April 28, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Michelle Smith-Starkey
April 28, 2011
Susan and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Mike's sense of humor, loyalty and love of family and friends were a blessing to all. God Bless,
Carol Barger-Bell
April 28, 2011
I send my deepest sympathy to Mike's family on his passing. He was also a classmate of mine. My prayers are with all of you.
kay wilson
April 28, 2011
Susan and family, From afar I have known a little of what you have endured. May God's love and His people be comforting you now. You have given Mike a very nice obituary in the TR. Looking forward to seeing you in Stovertown next time I'm there. May others be hugging you now. kay (deitrick) wilson
sue ewing
April 28, 2011
To all the family of Mike we are thinking of you and are prayers are with you now and always,Dee if there is anything I can do let me know. Love, Dick and Sue Ewing.
David & Pearline Howald
April 28, 2011
It has been a long time since we have seen the Sands family and we are saddened to hear about Mike's rough time in the end. But our hearts are lifted to know he is in his Father's care now. Praying for God's comfort and protection during this difficult time.
April 28, 2011
Thoughts and prayers to the Sands family.
Kathi (Baker) Holmes, Columbus, Ohio
Tammy Bleakney
April 27, 2011
Susan and family I am so sorry for your loss. Mike will be missed at the soccer games. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God give you comfort through these trying times. May God let Mike watch over you all from his heavenly perch. May you find the courage and strength to move forward. You did all you could when Mike needed you most. Now he is in a far better place. God Bless and comfort you all. If you need anything please don't hesitate to call. Best wishes for you Tammy Bleakney (Blake Swingle's mom)
Les Denman
April 27, 2011
Susan and family, It seems that time and miles kept us from meeting you all and becoming closer but I still feel the loss. Our prayers of peace and strength from our family are with you all. Cousin Les
Maggie Hill
April 27, 2011
Susan and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I had no idea that he was sick. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Mike will be missed deeply, he was a very good funny man!!
April 27, 2011
Susan and family ...sorry for ur loss .......are prayers are with u and the family......we enjoyed having Mike at Authum . Stay strong we know you are .
Kathy and Bessie.
Sue Butcher
April 27, 2011
Susan and family,
Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Take comfort knowing you were always there for Mike. You were his angel looking after him! He was a wonderful person whom cared for everyone, especially his family! A grat person on this earth has left his mark & will sadly be missed.
Mike & Sue Butcher
Brian and Jennifer Burns
April 27, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. I know Mike is in a better place and will be watching over you. Just remember this is just our temporary home. With the greatest love,
April 27, 2011
Susan, so sorry to read about Mike in the TR. We pray for your comfort in this difficult time.
Terry and Nancy (Drake) Provance
San Diego, CA
Kay Wheeler-King
April 27, 2011
Kristine and Family -
I am so sorry for your loss. May God be with you in this time of need. Keep your head lifted high and know that you will be together again. Peace be with you all.
Teresa Little
April 27, 2011
I am so sorry for your family's loss. My prayers are with you in your time of sorrow.
Gloria & Jeff Sletzer
April 27, 2011
Dear Susan and Kids,
May you find continued peace and comfort in the days ahead with the love of Jesus,knowing Mike has made it home ...in Heaven with our Lord and Savior,free from pain and suffering. God Bless you.
Shay Osborn
April 27, 2011
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Bill and Becky Page
April 27, 2011
Susan, Mike was such a wonderful person and will be missed by many. He always made us feel welcome at the MVBA Boat Club, especially our grandchildren. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jim and Lisa Stanley
April 27, 2011
To the Sands Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Your in our thoughts and prayers...
Brent and Diana Lavy
April 27, 2011
We are very sorry to hear of Mike's passing. May God be with you all during the difficult days ahead.
Steve & Roxanne Wymer
April 27, 2011
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Dennis Williams
April 27, 2011
My sympathy to the family. It is hard
to lose a classmate. I wish he could have come to our last reunion.
Brenda Denbow
April 27, 2011
Susan, I am so sorry for your loss. You in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Many blessings to you and your family.
Brenda (Wymer) Denbow
Len LaCara
April 27, 2011
Heather and the Sands family: Please accept my deepest condolences on Michael's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.
April 27, 2011
Susan and family, my heart goes out to you. Mike was a fighter, yet I know you must be thankful he is out of his pain.It is difficult to lose someone you love, but he will always be in your heart. My prayers are with you all. Love ya, Shirley
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