Charles "Dick Junior" Sanburn

Charles Sanburn was the owner of Dick Sanburn Sporting Goods in Kokomo. After taking over the business from his father, Sanburn worked in the sporting goods profession for 54 years during an era before online sales.

Sanburn was heavily involved in the industry, serving on the board of directors of the National Sporting Goods Association. At his retirement, he estimated he had sold more than 10,000 pairs of tennis shoes.

He was also known for his generosity. Sanburn Sporting Goods was the primary sponsor of the Kokomo American Legion Post 6 baseball team for several years while also donating money and items to nearly every youth league in Howard County.

Sanburn was also an athlete at Kokomo High School, graduating in 1954. He continued his baseball career at Ball State University, where he played three varsity seasons as an infielder for the Cardinals.

His athletic career did not end after graduation as he spent 17 seasons as the catcher on the state power Punchy’s Radiator fast-pitch softball team.