Many of you already know that I went to the funeral of someone I respected and cared for, as much as my own father. Joe Sanders was put to rest yesterday afternoon in a small, country town here in Texas.

I wasn't surprised one bit and was very pleased to see him laying there at the front of the funeral home in something he wore 24x7: A Harley Tshirt with an Eagle on the front, and his Harley bandanna on his forehead! This was only fitting as he would have wanted people to see him the same we we always saw him. The bulletin from the service had a picture of him in his harley shirt wearing his golden eagle necklace, and on the back of the bulletin was an eagle holding the Harley badge. This was definitely the way Joe would have wanted it.

The service was also very fitting for Joe. A lifelong buddy of his told the story of how he and Joe rode around Texas on their new Harleys many years ago, and talked about the sight and smell of the Bluebonnets as they rode together on the winding country roads. The pastor also talked about Joe's and every other service man and woman who have unselfishly put their lives on the line for our country.

I never had the pleasure of riding with Joe because I didn't get my first Harley until after he was unable to keep riding. However, last night at 11PM I put on my Harley Eagle TShirt like I saw Joe wearing so many times and put down the passenger pegs in remembrance of my dear friend. For the first time as I rode on the highway under the moon and glided around the turns and up the hills, I felt like Joe WAS riding with me! It gave me goosebumps to look at the moon as I cruised around on the highway and gave the same hand gestures that Joe would give any buddy and dear friend of his. When I got home, my wife and I took a shot of Wild Turkey (his "drink") in remembrance of our best friend - Joe. Something we bought just for Joe's visits and had in our pantry since the last time he was at our house.

The message I want to really get across to you all today is something you surely already know - live your life like it's the last day. Don't put off any chances to ride with that buddy of yours, or to tell them how much you admire them and what all you have learned from them. What's more, we're all FREE because of people like Joe who have fought for something they believe in- The freedom that we all have today.

I want to also take the time to thank every other man and woman who have also unselfishly given their time and lives so that we can all be free. Joe had eagles and Harley memorabilia EVERYWHERE in his life- his home, his Harley truck, etc. He really did understand the symbolism of the eagle and the freedom we all have to spread our wings and fly - whether that's on a Harley, Honda or nothing at all. We all have wings!

Thanks to all who have read this and for all of your thoughts, prayers and replies. Joe is definitely smiling now!

RIP buddy - you'll be missed, but remembered forever.

 

Rest in Peace Joe.

Our prayers and heart felt condolences to all his family and friends

 

It's comforting to have someone in heaven riding with us isn't it. My brother died in January and he was buried in his riding gear. There were 82 riders in his funeral procession. I have his name, and riding in heaven embriodered on my jacket.

 

Sounds to me like Joe was "one of the good guys!"
A nice description of Joe that all of us can relate to, especially those of us that have "served"!
May Joe rest in peace, and prayers to his family and friends!

 

That's a neat way to show your respect for your friend, sorry for your loss, you know this, he'll ALWAY'S be with you in your thoughts, ride safe.

 

Dave, I'm also sorry to hear of your brother..........
I have one older brother so I feel your pain!
May he also rest in peace!

 

thats about what i would want but i told my wife they have to play lynyrd skynyds freebird at my funeral

it didn.t hit me for years but the keyboard intro is a funeral durge and the lyrics are about dying and passing on to the other side

'if i leave here tomorrow would you still remember me for i must be traveling on now cause theres to many places i've got to see'

see you all on the other side, can't wait to meet joe sounds like a heck of a guy
freebyrd

 

Amen - RIP

 

Good memories, they can't be replaced. RIP Joe.

 

Rest in peace Joe. Thank you for your service and your example.