Gary D Sanders

August 4, 1944 – August 14, 2026

Gary Dean Sanders, age 82, passed away on August 14, 2026, surrounded by those who loved him.

Gary was born and raised in Regina, Kentucky, the son of Delbert James and Shella Nell Sanders. He graduated from Elkhorn City High School in 1962, where he enjoyed playing baseball and basketball.

As a young man, he moved to Dayton, Ohio, where he worked at a restaurant and met his future wife, Cookie. He later returned to his hometown in Kentucky to work in the coal mines before eventually settling in Franklin, Ohio. He went on to work for General Motors, where he remained until his retirement. His greatest joy in life was his family. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud Papaw who cherished the time spent with those he loved.

Gary and his brother, Jimmy Dale, joined Samaria Old Regular Baptist Church in Wolfpit, Kentucky, together on August 25, 1968. The brothers were baptized together by Bro. Roy Caudill and Bro. Delbert Sanders. He remained devoted to his faith throughout his life.

In his free time, Gary enjoyed golfing and making trips back home to Kentucky, a place that always remained close to his heart. He loved keeping an eye on the weather and always liked to know what the forecast had in store. He also prided himself on having a great sense of direction and could always tell you the best way to get where you were going.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert James and Shella Nell Sanders; and his sisters, Lynn Sturgill and Mary Harrison.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Gloria “Cookie” Sanders; his children, Sheila (Bob) Thomas, Angel (Clint) Bicknell, and Scott (Irene) Sanders; his brothers, John Bill Sanders, Jimmy Dale (Helen) Sanders, and Willard (Judy) Sanders; and his sisters, Betty Gebele and Tora Kaye Pogue.

He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren with a sixth great-grandchild due in October, who will cherish the memory of their papaw.

Gary will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. The faith he lived, the love he shared, and the memories he leaves behind will continue through his family and all whose lives he touched.

Visitation will be held Thursday August 20th 2026 from 11am to 1pm at Anderson Funeral Home, 1357 E. Second Street, Franklin, Ohio 45005.

Funeral services will be held 1pm Thursday August 20th, 2026 at Anderson Funeral Home, 1357 E. Second Street, Franklin, Ohio 45005, with Gary’s brother, Jimmy Dale Sanders, officiating.

Burial will follow at Springboro Cemetery, 2348 W. Lower Springboro Road, Springboro, Ohio 45066.