Robert Joe Sanders

Robert J. Sanders left this world on January 1, 2023 at the age of 79, surrounded by his friends and family. Beloved husband of his dear wife Rae P. Sanders for 10 years. Their love blossomed when they met in 2011 and they married in 2012. Bob and Rae remained deeply in love and inseparable until the day he died. Bob was also fortunate to have a loving family. He is survived by his three children: Margaret, Laura, and Clay, and his daughter in-law Dawn. Bob had 5 grandchildren: Rachel, Charlotte, Eleanor, Blaise and Jacques. Through his brother Wayne he had three nephews, Stuart, Brian and Brad.

He was preceded in death by his parents Robbie and Joe Sam Sanders, his brother Wayne, and his loving wife Charlotte of 18 years who left this world too soon. Bob, Margaret, and Laura grieved her loss together, but as always Bob found a way to pull himself up by his bootstraps and find a new life again.

In 2019, Bob and Rae went on a great adventure and moved to Colorado where they found the happiest years of their lives. They were fortunate to share this time with their dear friends Dave, Laura, Rick, James & Judy, Scott & Michele, Najeeb & Summer, Connie & Chris, Jeremy, Burgess and Tracy.

Bob was born in Edgewood, Texas on June 9th, 1943. After playing football and graduating from the University of North Texas, he pursued his dream to play professional football for the inaugural team of the Atlanta Falcons, followed by the Los Angeles Rams and the New York Giants. Bob then went on to become a leader in the construction management field, leaving a legacy behind that contributed greatly to the city skyline of New Orleans that we see today.

Bob was a lover of nature and a great outdoorsman from his proud Texas roots. He had a do-it-yourself attitude and could conquer anything he put his mind to. In sum, Bob Sanders lived several lives in his 79 years. Along the way he showed love and kindness to those fortunate enough to have him in their lives. Bob had a larger-than-life presence and he will be remembered and missed by all who loved him.

In lieu of services, the family and closest friends will hold a private ceremony on Bob's favorite hiking trail outside of Vail, Colorado this July.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bob's memory to the Rich Mauti Cancer fund, an organization unconditionally committed to leading the fight against cancer in our community. Rich and Bob were founding members of this organization that has existed for over 30 years. Together Rich and Bob raised enough money to help thousands of cancer patients in their community. Please visit mauticancerfund.org to learn more about the organization's work.