1948-2019
John Sanders, 70, Pensacola Florida, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2019 with family by his side.
John was born on January 13, 1948 in Chicago, Illinois to Wayne and Ruthela (Brown) Sanders. He married Paulette (Pavilanis) Sanders on May 22, 1971 in South Holland, Illinois and shared 47 years in marriage together.
John enlisted in the US Navy out of high school and was stationed in California as well as the Philippines. In 1974, he was assigned to The USS Saratoga in Jacksonville, Florida, then to The USS Lexington in Pensacola, Florida. John served his country honorably for many years, retiring as a Disabled Veteran. John enjoyed spending his time on the water with friends and family, discovered a loved for painting and listening to Blues music.
John is preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Ruthela Sanders, as well as his two brothers, Stanley and Richard. He is survived by his wife, Paulette, his two sons Sean (Brittany) and Tom (Jamie), his four grandchildren, Parker, Jake, Preston and Zoe, along with his brother Earle Sanders (Sue); sister, Dorothy Fender; two sisters-in-law: Diana and Sue Sanders; a brother-in-law, Ed Pavilanis and mother-in-law, Mary Pavilanis, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Services for John will be Monday, January 14 at 11:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary of New Testament Fellowship Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to either American Cancer Society or Wounded Warrior Project.
Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
