Eric LeRoy Sanders Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Eric LeRoy Sanders, 85, of Wapakoneta, passed away on Thurs. July 28, 2022, at his home after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He was married for 57 years to his beloved wife, Twilah Mae (Watkins) Sanders, who preceded him in death. Eric was born on May 2, 1937. He was the eldest son of Eric Christian and Rachel Minnie (Lowe) Sanders. He placed great value on experiencing life and taking advantage of any opportunity to travel. He was able to travel quite a bit over the course of his life. He homesteaded in Idaho at 14, toured Italy on a Vespa, watched snake–charming in Thailand, and endured a rain storm from the deck of a boat crossing the English Channel. Perhaps, experiencing the attack on Pearl Harbor at the age of four showed him life was precious and meant to be lived fully. Eric worked as a machinist and engineer and was also a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving from 1955-1969. It was during his time in the service, while stationed at Washington D.C., that he met his future wife Twilah, who was working for the FBI. They had four children: Eric David Sanders, Michelle Dawn Sanders-Linares (Luis), and Lucinda Mae Sanders. His youngest daughter, Jennifer Pearl Sanders, preceded him in death. He also leaves behind two sisters, Carol (Tom-dec’d) Dennis, Baker City, OR; Kathy (Willard-dec’d) McCollam, Rainier, OR; and a sister-in-law, Hazel (Young) Sanders, Quatzite, AZ. His brother, John (Hazel) preceded him in death. Eric also was blessed with 8 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and many wonderful nieces and nephews. Eric was a long standing member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he attended the St. Marys Branch. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Sat. Aug. 6, 2022, at the Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, St. Rt. 501, Wapakoneta, with William Davis officiating. Burial is to follow in the Cedar Point Cemetery, Pasco, OH, where military rites will be conducted. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m., Fri. Aug. 5, at the funeral home. Condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.

Eric LeRoy Sanders

May 2, 1937 - July 28, 2022