Clarence E. Sanders Jr.

Buddy was born December 12, 1929, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Estelle and Clarence Sanders. He moved often during his childhood, living in Jacksonville, Florida; on his grandfather’s farm in Tupelo, Mississippi; and in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, before settling in Houston, Texas. He graduated from San Jacinto High School in 1948 and later attended the University of Houston.

Following high school, Buddy proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1948 to 1952. He was wounded and twice awarded the Purple Heart during his service in the Korean War. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant before receiving an honorable discharge.

After returning to Houston, Buddy dedicated himself to public service and professional work. He served as a deputy constable in Harris County Precinct 1 beginning in 1969. He later worked as an entrepreneur before joining MLN Company, where he spent 29 years before retiring in 2019.

Buddy married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Jennie Lee (Chromcak) Perkins, on December 26, 1975. He was a devoted husband and a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

Having spent much of his childhood on a farm, Buddy developed a lifelong passion for vegetable gardening and enjoyed woodworking and crafting. His greatest joy, however, was his family. Known for his kindness and gentle spirit, Buddy left a lasting impression on friends and strangers alike, always offering a kind word and carrying himself as a true Southern gentleman.

In addition to his parents, Buddy was preceded in death by his wife, Jennie Lee; two sisters, Virginia Baird and Mary Jo Robinson; and two brothers, Bob Sanders and Erin Sanders.

He is survived by his cherished family, Becky Rogers and her husband, Roland, and Mindy Neal and her husband, Murray, both of Sugar Land; five grandchildren, Megan, Sarah, Molly, Emily, and Wesley; and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 11, at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home in Houston. Burial will follow at Forest Park Lawndale. Friends and family may visit Wednesday, February 11, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Buddy’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Cancer Society, or the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Houston.