Robert Allen Sanders' Obituary
Robert Allen Sanders, 88, of John Knox Village in Orange City, FL passed away peacefully on Nov. 19, 2025. He was a beloved husband, father and friend.
Bob was born in Hazel Park, MI to Annie James Sanders and Edgar Sanders on Dec. 12, 1936. He attended Hazel Park schools and was co-captain of the Hazel Park football team that won the Michigan state championship. He was recruited by Michigan State University securing an athletic scholastic scholarship. Bob started school at MSU in the spring quarter of 1955. In the fall, he was a member of the football traveling team going to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.
Bob met the love of his life, Ginny, on a blind date. Trying to impress her, he asked the life-long boater if she would like to take a canoe trip on the Red Cedar River running through the campus. When he barely made it into the canoe, he promptly tipped it over.
Bob's first career job was as a salesman for Campbell Soup Co. After Bob and Ginny married, they were blessed with the arrival of 2 sons. He was transferred to the St. Louis area as a supervisor and eventually joined Sun Maid Growers of CA. He flew out of Lambert Airport on TWA airlines for 25 years calling on various accounts in the country, including military accounts. Bob had season tickets to the St. Louis Rams and the Fox theater. He enjoyed the St. Louis Symphony and the outdoor Muny Theater in Forest Park as well as many more of the cultural offerings available in St. Louis. The St. Louis Cardinals baseball team and the St. Louis Blues hockey team were other interests. He loved playing cards, especially bridge and neighborhood poker. Bob's favorite form of relaxation was boating on the Mississippi River and Hamlin Lake in MI. He and Ginny also toured the world by land, sea and air for many years.
Bob retired in 1998 and spent the summer months in Ludington, MI and the winter months in Palm Coast, FL. After he moved permanently to FL, he sang in the choir at Trinity Presbyterian Church and also the Community Chorus. He was an elder at Trinity and co-chairman of the Senior Adult Ministry Committee planning monthly outings and entertainment. Bob was known for his kindness, wit and always having a smile on his face.
Bob is predeceased by his parents, his beloved sons, Steve and Tom Sanders, his brother and sister-in-law, Leonard and Fran Sanders, and his nephew David Sanders. He is survived by Ginny, his wife of 67 years, his brother-in-law Tom Warke, his niece Julie Pelton and his nephews Dr. James Sanders, John Sanders and Ben Warke.
A memorial service will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church on January 15, 2026, at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Bob's memory to Trinity Presbyterian Church, the American Heart Association or the charity of your choice.
Heritage Funeral & Cremation Service of Bunnell, FL is assisting the family with arrangements. https://www.HeritageFlagler.com
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