Frank Robert Sanders Jr.

Frank was born on June 16, 1931, in Globe, Arizona, where he spent his early years with parents Frank Robert Sanders, Sr., Beatrice (Lewis) Sanders, and younger sister Alice Joan (Sanders) Carpenter, all of whom preceded him in passing.

As a teenager, he moved with his family to Grants Pass, Oregon, where he graduated from Grants Pass High School. He went on to join the United States Air Force in 1950 where he met and married Karen Jean Schmelz on June 25, 1955, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Together, they had three daughters.

His military career took him around the world, including Alaska, Missouri, Japan, Thailand, California and Montana. He served as a USAF Security Police officer, retiring as a Major on September 30, 1971.

Frank loved the outdoors: from hunting in Montana to salmon fishing in Alaska, from riding dune buggies near Vandenberg AFB to climbing Mt Fuji in Japan. Family vacations were usually spent in a pop-up trailer, camping at National Parks across the nation. He was an avid reader and military memorabilia collector. He was a dedicated son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who ensured all enjoyed his love for the outdoors.

After retiring from the USAF, Frank worked for the Georgia Pacific Lumber Company in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. In 1978, he made one more move to Suttons Bay, Michigan, where he and Karen built their “forever home.” Hours and hours of projects would fill his time for the next few decades as they perfected their “work farm,” as he called it.

Frank is survived by his wife of 69 years: Karen of Caledonia, Michigan; daughters: Cheryl Ann (Bruce) Jensen of Dallas, Texas; Jeri Lyn (Gary) Vaughan of Peoria, Arizona; Kimberly Rae (Orhan) Hadzic of Caledonia, Michigan; his 12 grandchildren: Stacy, Kevin, Keith, Alex, Gregory, Jennifer, Glen, Garrett, Julia, Jessica, Sophie and Benjamin; and 30 great-grandchildren.

A family service and burial will be held at the Fort Custer National Cemetery on April 18, 2025, at 2:30 pm.

We want to thank the exceptional staff of the Breton Extended Care Assisted Living Facility of Holland Home for their loving care these past few years. In lieu of flowers, Frank would be honored for any donations to be sent to Breton Extended Care at 2589 44th Street, Kentwood, Michigan 49512.