Bobby Gene Sanders, Sr.

Bobby Gene Sanders, Sr., of Fort Smith passed away November 18th in Fort Smith. The youngest of nine brothers and sisters, Bobby graduated from Fort Smith High School in 1942 and married his childhood sweetheart, Betty Jo Bell on August 1, 1943. They were blessed with their first child, Bobby Sanders, Jr. in 1944. Bobby joined the Army Air Force branch of the armed forces and served his country at the rank of Sgt. until he returned from his tour in Europe in 1946.

Following the war, Bobby and his wife Betty began their lives together. Beginning at the early age of 14, he enjoyed working in the grocery business and continued in that business after his honorable discharge from the military. He began his career at the Kroger Company and continued on to the Rodger Dodger Grocery Store. In 1954 Bobby opened his own store, The Boys Market. After several years of successful business, he open a larger grocery business known as The Shoppers Fair. He later sold Shoppers Fair and began working for Griffin Grocery and Affiliated Foods until his retirement at the age of 70.

Bobby enjoyed golf and was an excellent golfer. He played in many of the Fort Smith Country Club tournaments with much success. He loved watching the Dallas Cowboys and was a life-long fan of Saint Louis Cardinals baseball.

Bobby lived with his daughter Jayne Hughes and grandson Lane for several years preceding his passing and they were very blessed to have had the opportunity to share in the memories of his amazing 91 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 8 brothers and sisters, his wife of 55 years, Betty Jo and his eldest son Bobby Sanders, Jr.

He is survived by two children, Steven Michael Sanders and wife Peggy of Fort Smith and Jayne Sanders Hughes of Fort Smith and her fiancé John Elliott of Davis, Oklahoma, 7 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild whom he was fortunate enough to hold and share his love with just a few weeks ago.

Visitation will be Sunday, November 22, 2015 from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm at Edward Funeral Home.

Graveside service with military honors will be 12 noon Monday, November 23, 2015, at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 1:00 pm at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel.

Pallbearers will be: David McMillan, John Elliott, Steve Knight, Mac Jenkins, Brian Gilker, and Philip Thompson.

Memorials may be sent to: Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas, 72901. Online condolences may be sent to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com