John Wesley Sanders

John was born August 13, 1936, in Richmond, Indiana, to Henry Allen and Virginia Ann Smith Sanders. He was the youngest of ten and was often reminded by his siblings he was the “baby of the family” and received special treatment because of it. He enjoyed the rich and diverse upbringing associated with large families, spending time with aunts and uncles including nephews and nieces much older than him! He attended Richmond High School, where he met his first wife Sue Frances Sanders (Gabbert) in 1954. Due to the birth of their first son at 17, he left high school to start work. A few years later he completed high school and attended business classes at Earlham College, which became valuable in his later career in mining equipment sales. John started work at Bucyrus-Erie in Richmond, Indiana in 1957. He continued with the company through various positions and locations, moving to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1960 and eventually settling in Evansville, Indiana in 1963. John retired from Bucyrus in 1998 and furthered his sales career at several industry-related companies, including Booneville Mining Supply in Booneville, Indiana, and Xtek Mining Services in Tempe, Arizona. He retired to enjoy antique collecting and social interests in 2005.

John went to a farm auction in the early 60’s where he bought his first antique, a four-legged butter churn, which he refinished and used as an end table. He was hooked on collecting for the rest of his life, specializing in toys, player-pianos, and Nickelodeons, amassing an extensive collection which he enjoyed showing. At one time, he owned an antique store in downtown Evansville and dabbled as an auctioneer.

John was known as a master storyteller, often holding court at family reunions. He brought to life stories of farm life during the depression. One of his tales included Sally Hatfield (Hatfield-McCoy Feud), who he believed to be a relative.

John’s first wife passed away February of 2004. He met his current wife, Lisa, in 2018, and they were married January 2019. He and Lisa enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends in Florida and Hawaii.

John is survived by his wife, Lisa; his brother, Arthur “Jim” (Karen) Sanders of Punta Gorda, Florida, his sons Steven (Bruce Weitzman) Sanders, Greg (Kathy Effinger) Sanders, and grandchildren Stephanie and Shelby Sanders, and Carter and Ben Burr-Kirven.

He was preceded in death by his middle son, John W. Sanders II; first wife; parents; sisters, Naomi Richardson, Doris May Sanders, Leotha Campbell, Eileen Rausch, and Patricia Helton; and brothers, Charles, Henry, and William Sanders.

Visitation will be held 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Saturday March 12, 2022 at Alexander North Chapel. Friends and family may also visit from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. prior to the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The service will be viewable via livestream at www.facebook.com/FuneralStreamUSA

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Heritage Hospice in John’s honor. Condolences for the family may be made online at www.AlexanderNorthChapel.com