Melvin John August Sanders

Melvin John August Sanders, 93, died March 18, 2013 at home. He was born in Mayview, MO on May 27, 1919. He attended the University of Central Missouri and the University of Missouri before beginning his aircraft related career with North American. In 1944, he was drafted into the 20th Army Air Corps, 314th Wing, 29th Group, 52nd Squadron. He participated as a tail gunner/engineer in many B-29 bomber missions while stationed on Guam. He retired from the 442nd Air Force as a Chief Master Sergeant in 1978. He worked at various jobs including the US Postal Service and TWA until 1960 when he began working for the FAA as an Air Worthiness Inspector. He retired in 1980 to enjoy golf, traveling, and charity work for Shriners Hospitals and other Masonic organizations. He was a member of the Southwood United Church of Christ. He also was a member of many Masonic organizations including the Marlborough 569 and Blue Springs Lodge AF & AM, Ararat Shrine, Summit OES, and Royal Order of the Jester Court 54. He was a 33rd degree lifetime member of the Kansas City, Missouri Valley Scottish Rite.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Anna (Begemann) Sanders, his wife of 69 years, Dorothy, and his oldest daughter, Sandra Sheets. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and Michael Parks, son-in-law Gary Sheets, grandchildren Kevin and Terri Sheets, Lisa and James Duncan, Matthew and Michele Sheets, and great-grandchildren Jessica, Gregory, Payton, Mason and Trenton Sheets.

Visitation will be Friday, March 22, 2013 at 2:00 pm, followed by services at 3:00 pm at Mt. Moriah Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, MO. A Royal Order of Jesters Rose Ceremony will immediately follow services. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Telemedicine Unit at the Ararat Shrine, 5100 Ararat Drive, Kansas City, MO 64129. Condolences may be offered at www.mtmoriah-freeman.com.