Bernie R. Sanders

Bernie R. Sanders, age 85, died Thursday, October 26, 2006. He was born December 2, 1920 in Harlingen, Texas. He is survived by his wife, Roberta Bobbie. Married on Valentine's Day, 1946, they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last February. Bernie graduated from Harlingen High School in 1938. In 1940, he received an Associate Degree from Brownsville Jr. College. He graduated from University of Texas - Austin with a BBA Degree in 1942 and was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity.

In August 1942, Bernie enlisted into the US Navy as an Aviation Cadet and was commissioned an Ensign - Naval Aviator at the Navel Air Station Corpus Christi in April 1944. He was released to Inactive Duty as a Lieutenant JG in November 1945 and continued flying as a Weekend Warrior in the Naval Reserve until 1970 at which time he retired as a Navy Captain 06. Bernie was a Commanding Officer of VR-702 Flying Squadron NAS in Dallas, Texas, delivering Logistic support worldwide, a Life Member of the Order of Daedalians, serving as National Treasure, and a member of the Reserve Officer Association.

He was a lifetime Methodist and a member of Alamo Heights United Methodist Church. Bernie was also a member and served the Boy Scouts of America for 50 years including 8 years as a Scout Master, member of the Board of Directors of Alamo Area Council, earning the Wood Badge and was awarded the Silver Beaver.

From 1946-1950 Bernie was a Pilot for Pan American World Airways and from 1950-1990 he worked in the Mortgage Banking Business, retiring as Senior Vice President of Frost Bank, San Antonio in 1990.

Bernie and Roberta then moved to Kerr County where they had a small ranch raising Longhorns and goats. In 2002, they moved back to San Antonio.

He is also survived by son, Bernie Kathy; daughter, Jane Martin Graham; son, John Geri; grandchildren, Benjamin, Rebecca Eric, Tyler, Cody, Archie, Carl and Beaman; brother, Joe; cousin, nieces and nephews.

Bernie was best known and will be fondly remembered as a pilot, world traveler, enthusiastic fisherman, camera bug and hunter.

Bernie's memory will be dearly cherished and he will be deeply missed by his family and friends.