Robert J Sanders

Robert Joseph Sanders, Sr, 89, of Fort Wayne, passed away peacefully at 12:06 a.m. on Sunday, July 19, 2026. Robert also known as “Bob” and “Partner” was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana on March 5, 1937, to Al and Ruth (Hickman) Sanders. On November 6, 1964, he married Glenda Kay Oxley.

Bob was a graduate of Northside High School in 1955. He received his bachelor’s degree at Indiana University and his master’s degree from Saint Francis College. He spent his career at Lincoln Life Insurance, Phelps Dodge and Essex. He also taught Introduction to Computer Science for over 40 years at Saint Francis College and IPFW.

He was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church, where he was an elder, Sunday School Teacher and served on various committees. Bob played the tenor saxophone. He enjoyed playing so much he started a band, named the Robert Sanders Combo, his sophomore year of high school and ended his gig days in 1976. He was a golfer in his younger days, avid reader, enjoyed cooking, fishing and loved spending time at the lake with family and friends. Bob was a lifelong Oakland Raiders fan until Patrick Mahomes, the Quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, won his heart. His favorite baseball team was the Boston Red Sox. He enjoyed vacationing in the UP and Fort Myers Beach, Florida.

Survivors include his wife, Glenda Sanders; Rob Jr (Kris); Douglas (Christa); John (Marsha); Abigail (Jared Shaw); grandchild, Jake; step-grandchildren, Cormick Cothrel, Mackenzie Cunningham and Avery Cunningham; brother, Don Sanders; and several nieces, nephews and friends.

He is proceeded in death by his parents Al and Ruth Sanders and his sister, Mary Jay.

Bob will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we find comfort in the memories he leaves behind and in the hope that this is not goodbye forever. Until we meet again, may he rest in peace.

A casual gathering to celebrate Bob’s life will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Lake Pointe Clubhouse, 904 Mill Lake Road, Fort Wayne, IN.

Immediately following the celebration, a brief service to celebrate Bob’s life will begin at 3 p.m. All are welcome.