Robert A. Sanders
Robert A. Sanders, 64, Columbia City, passed away Friday, July 16, 2021, at his home surrounded by loved ones.
Born April 14, 1957, in Evansville, he was the son of Paul Sanders and Delores Brown.
He grew up in Mitchell. Like most boys, he loved playing basketball, being outdoors, swimming in the stone quarry and hunting. Rob sang in the Baptist Church’s choir and sang with the Wray Brothers. He graduated from Mitchell High School with the Class of 1975 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served as a Machinist Mate from 1975-1979. Rob was known as “Sandman” as he served onboard the USS Spiegel Grove and had the privilege of being on the Naval Honor Guard in Washington D.C.
After being honorably discharged, Rob attended Indiana University where he studied Mathematics and Computer Programming. He worked for Brehob Air Compressor Corporation in Indianapolis and moved to manage their Fort Wayne operations in the mid 1990’s. He would go on to retire from Ingersoll Rand Corporation in 2017.
With a love for the outdoors, Rob found relaxation fishing, shooting guns and hiking. He loved being in nature and spotting various birds, pointing out animal tracks to his granddaughter, kayaking and canoeing. He also was a gifted musician and guitar player who played the guitar every time he could. Rob was a true family man who served as a mentor to all the neighborhood kids.
Survivors include his children: Sarah (Ash) McSorley, Joe (Mackenzie) Sanders, Tambra (Brad) McGill, Ryan Wolf and Roger (Cecilia) Wolf; grandchildren: Hazel and Jack McSorley, Zack and Grant McGill, Rylee and Roger Wolf III; brothers: Paul (Carol) Sanders and Terry (Pauline) Sanders; sister, Kris (Paul) Sipples; and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
To honor Rob’s life and wishes, a celebration of his life will take place at a later date at Spring Mill State Park in Mitchell, Ind. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to the Indiana Park’s Department. Memorial donations to be mailed to Deputy Director for Stewardship, Indiana State Parks, 402 W. Washington RM W298, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, is in charge of arrangements. Visit the funeral home website to send Robert’s family online condolences or sign the online guest book.