David A. Sanborn

It is with heavy hearts that we announce David A. Sanborn, 79, of Green Valley, IL passed away peacefully at home on Friday, December 27, 2024. David was born on December 30, 1944, the son of the late Louis and Winifred (Pierce) Sanborn. He graduated from Pekin Community High School and obtained a double major in education and chemistry from Illinois State University. He began his career by working as a teacher at Spalding Institute. He transitioned to work at MGP Ingredients where he served many roles over the course of 44 years. His latest role was laboratory manager. He retired in 2008. David had a zest for life that was evident in his hobbies and interests. He enjoyed cooking, reading, stamp collecting, and spending time outdoors, engaging in activities such as fishing, gardening, hunting, and birdwatching. Known to family and friends as a talented handyman and do-it-yourself enthusiast, David could turn his hand to any project, big or small. He had a remarkable ability to see potential in every piece of material he worked with. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather who cherished spending time and holidays with family. His passion for helping others made him an inspiration to all who knew him. He will be dearly missed. He is survived by his loving wife, Sally of Green Valley, IL; children, Mark (Keri) Sanborn of Pekin, IL, Michael (Alexandra) Sanborn of Lincoln, IL, and Jill Alexander of Delavan, IL; grandchildren, Ryleigh Davin, Caitlyn Sanborn, Hayden Sanborn, Ethan Sanborn and Michaela Alexander; great grandchildren, Finley Davin, Elliot Davin and Nori McMorris; brother, Steve (Nancy) Sanborn of Madison, WI; and sisters, Alice Brown of Perch Lake, WI and Nanci Malcolm of Washington, IL. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Phyllis Sanborn and Marcia Sanborn, and an infant brother. A celebration of Davids life will be conducted at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, January 2nd, 2025 at the Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory in Pekin, IL. The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Inurnment will be in Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pekin Public Library. Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers for David and the Sanborn Family. Funeral Service Thursday, January 2, 2025 6:00 PM Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,IL 61554 Visitation Thursday, January 2, 2025 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,IL 61554