MSgt (Ret.) Bobby J. Sanders

A celebration of the life of MSgt (Ret.) Bob Sanders will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2015 at Lakeview Funeral Home. Bob was born in Erick, Oklahoma, September 3, 1933.

MSgt (Ret.) Bob Sanders died Sunday, March 22, 2015, in his home. He and his wife (Lequita “Keet” B. Sanders, deceased) retired to Longview in 1976, where they raised a son (Robert Sanders), a daughter (Kyra Sanders), and his step-daughter (Rebecca Feller). Bob was raised in western Oklahoma and the panhandle of Texas working on farms, drilling rigs, and other similar jobs before embarking on an Air Force career that took him and his family around the world. While proudly serving his country in Korea and other Cold War assignments, he rose to the rank of a Non-Commissioned Officer for his leadership and outstanding military performance. Once retired, he continued to work various jobs in sales and management around the Longview area.

He enjoyed people and was always ready to be a mentor. He and his wife often opened their home to airmen who had no family, or lived too far away during holidays and other celebrations. They loved bowling, playing cards, and dinner out with friends. Bob also enjoyed working in his yard and garden. He collected a variety of unique and decorative plants over the years. Through the years, Bob served in leadership roles for various bowling leagues and the Elks Lodge. His sense of fair play and activity were exemplified in softball, bowling, racquetball, and other sports he enjoyed during his life.

MSgt Sanders is survived by his half-sister, Penny Ervin, his children, his son-in-law, Rick Feller, 3 grandsons (Joshua Feller, Brian Feller, and Aaron Harper), step-son Aubrey Staggs and children, and many extended family members. His children and friends would like to recognize the personal and quality care provided by the Veterans Hospital in Shreveport, and the Longview Regional Hospital staff and specialists. Bob has requested donations in lieu of flowers. He was an advocate for animals, and enjoyed helping his daughter provide handmade items to a particular rescue in Florida. Donations may be contributed to H.A.L.O. No Kill Rescue by check at 710 Jackson St., Sebastian, FL 32958, or online at http://www.halorescuefl.org a 501c3 charity; to a local rescue entity of your choice; or to the Wounded Warrior Project at http://woundedwarriorproject.org . Donations may also be contributed at the time of his celebration service.