Funeral services for John L. Sanders, 88, Athens, formerly of Stilwell, Okla., is scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday at Carroll-Lehr Funeral Chapel with Carrie Clark officiating. Visitation will be 10 a.m. to service time.
A Graveside service is scheduled for Wednesday 11:30 a.m. in Stilwell City Cemetery, with visitation Wednesday 10-11 a.m. at Hart Funeral Home, Stilwell, Okla.
Mr. Sanders died Sunday May 12, 2013 in Athens.
He was born May 11, 1925 to the late John Benjamin and Anna Amelia Paden Sanders.
Mr. Sanders moved to Athens in 1985 after retiring as an engineer for Mobil Oil for 35 years, serving two tours overseas in Libya and Nigeria. After serving one term in the United States Marines he was called back to serve two others times. He was a Veteran of World War II and the Korean War. While Mr. Sanders served in the South Pacific, he participated in the landing of Guam and Iwo Jima and witnessed the flag raising on Mount Surabachi. He was a member of the Athens Pea Pickers Square Dancers Club, Athens Lions Club and a member of First United Methodist Church.
He is preceded in death by his first wife, Billie Ruth “Bea” Sanders, May 6, 1996; daughters, Lorna Ruth Sanders, Terrie Lynn Sanders; great-grandson, Clayton Moore; and a brother, Doyle Sanders.
Survivors include his wife, Peggy Sanders, Athens; sons, Randal Sanders, Ruidoso, N.M., James Sanders and his wife, Sue, Houston; daughters, Ann Dobogai and her husband, Jerry, Stilwell, Oklahoma, Mary Sanders, Caddo Mills; 12 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; stepsons, Rick Pierce and his wife Bonnie, Raleigh, N.C., Roger Pierce and his wife Dyna , Russellville, Arkansas, Phillip Pierce and his wife Norman, Ft. Worth, Timothy Pierce and his wife Dawn, Keller; seven step-grandchildren, 10 step-great-grandchildren, brother, Joe Sanders, Norman, Okla.
Honorary pallbearers are Ed Thoes and Paul Mackie.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be made to The Samaritan Project, 201 St. Thomas St. Athens, Texas 75751 (903) 677-5624.