Rufus A. Sanderlin

Rufus Albert “Bud” Sanderlin, 84, of Haslet, Texas, passed away on August 18, 2026.

Born on March 31, 1942, in Fort Worth, Texas, to David K. and Jewell Sanderlin, Bud was raised in Fort Worth and built a life centered around family, hard work, and the simple things that brought him happiness.

In 1971, Bud married his wife, Jean, and together they built a life and family that would remain at the heart of everything he treasured. They were blessed with two sons, Ed and Rod, and as the years went on, Bud found even more joy in becoming a grandfather.

Bud proudly served in the United States Army, and as he was preparing to retire from military service, life presented him with an unexpected new chapter. His father-in-law asked him to join the family business, Stove Parts Supply Co. Bud accepted, beginning what would become more than 27 years working side by side with his father-in-law and brother-in-law.

What may have begun simply as an opportunity to join the family business became one of the most meaningful parts of Bud’s working life. Serving as Operations Manager, he took great pride in his work, but it was the people beside him who made those years so special. Bud often felt blessed by the trust his family placed in him and was deeply thankful for the opportunity to spend so many years working alongside them. He looked back on his time at Stove Parts Supply Co. as some of the most enjoyable years of his life.

Away from work, Bud knew how to appreciate the things he loved. He enjoyed fishing, NASCAR, woodworking, mowing, and gardening. But nothing compared to his family. He especially loved watching his grandchildren grow and simply being a part of their lives. Whether working with his hands, spending time outdoors, or surrounded by the people he loved, Bud found happiness in a life that was full of family.

Those who knew Bud will remember a wonderful, loving, supportive, and compassionate man. A husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend whose love for the people in his life was unmistakable.

Bud was preceded in death by his father, David K. Sanderlin; mother, Jewell Sanderlin; brother, William Dale Sanderlin; and sisters, Anna Green and Carolyn Brobst.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Jean Sanderlin; sons, Ed Sanderlin and wife, Heather, and Rod Sanderlin and wife, Danette; grandchildren, Aston, Haven, Ayden, and Landon; special loving friends, Jessica and her son, Tanner; as well as many nieces and nephews whom he loved so very much.

Bud leaves behind the legacy of a man who worked hard, loved his family deeply, valued the trust of those closest to him, and found joy in sharing his life with the people he loved. The years spent beside him, whether at home, at work, or simply enjoying life together, will remain treasured memories for all who knew and loved him.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:30 pm on Monday, August 24, 2026, at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home, 5725 Colleyville Blvd, Colleyville, TX 76034.

The family requests donations, in lieu of flowers, to St. Jude's Children’s Research Hospital, and can be made in Mr. Sanderlin’s honor.