Mel graduated from Reitz High School in 1953. He married Ava Louise Simpson on May 12, 1956. They met at Zoar United Church of Christ at Youth Fellowship and Sunday School class. Mel and Ava Lou were married for 64 years before her passing in 2020.
Mel worked as a brick mason his entire life. He worked for his father's company for many years and eventually became owner of Sander Construction Co. He laid brick and block until his retirement at the age of 70.
Mel served in many capacities as a life-long member of Zoar. He was very active in sports, both during his school years and as an adult.
Mel was preceded in death by his wife, Ava Lou; parents; brothers, Donald and Allen; and granddaughter Julie.
He is survived by sons, Michael (Jane) of Evansville and Dale (Ronda) of Boonville; grandchildren, Alicia (Brad) Becker, Jennifer Sander, Megan (Chad) Deno, and Jodi Sander; great-grandchildren, Evan and Aubrey Becker and Brady and Cooper Deno. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Peggy Seiler, Dorothy Sander, Julia Sander, and Ellen Berberich; and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Bethel Manor, The Village at Holiday, Heritage Hospice, Dr. Richard Wagner, and Dr. Anthony Stephens for their care of Mel in his later years.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 2, 2021, at Zoar United Church of Christ, 4600 Church Road, officiated by Pastor Shane McGrath, with burial following in the church cemetery. Friends may visit Wednesday, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Alexander West Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Zoar UCC Memorial Fund.
Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.
