Alen Craig Sanders

Alen Craig Sanders of Hot Springs was born January 9, 1966, in West Memphis, Arkansas to Chief Clyde F. Sanders and Betty Jo Farr. At the age of 17, in June of 1983, Alen enlisted in the US Navy which would send him to many new destinations from coast to coast and sea to sea.

Alen was a wonderful husband to Paula for 38 years, they were together 42 years. Alen was a loving father to their beautiful daughter Amy Sanders and the best Pa to his grandson Henry “little Al” Sanders-Neitzel

Alen had an incredible career in the Navy. The Navy had Sanders busy learning, teaching, and maintaining the most technical equipment on aircraft carriers and guided-missile cruisers.

US Navy

Alen Sanders enlisted in the US Navy June 13, 1983, in Hot Springs, AR and entered active duty on June 4, 1984.

Completed Recruit Training NTC in San Diego, CA in 1984 as a seaman

Completed Combat Systems Technical Schools Command, at Mare Island, CA 1984-1986 Data Systems Technician School (Third Class Petty Officer)

USS Jouett (CG 29) San Diago and Long Beach, CA 1986-1989 USQ-20 Naval Tactical Data System and Combat Direction System, AN/UYK-43 Maintenance Technician (Second Class Petty Officer)

Fleet Combat Training Center Atlantic, Dam Neck, VA 1989-1992 2M electronic Module Test and Repair Technician.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), Norfolk, VA 1993-1997 Advanced Combat Direction System Maintenance Technician and Work Center Supervisor (First Class Petty Officer)

Fleet Combat Training Center Atlantic, Dam Neck, VA 1997-2000 AN/UYK-43 Computer/Peripheral Subsystem Maintenance Course Instructor, Course Supervisor, and Curriculum Developer (Converted to Fire Control Technician)

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Norfolk, VA 2000-2003 Advanced Combat Direction System Senior Technician, Division Leading Petty Officer, Combat Systems Department maintenance Manager and 3M Systems Coordinator, Division Leading Chief (Advanced to Chief Petty Officer on September 16, 2002)

Center for Surface Combat Systems, Dam Neck, VA 2003-2005 Maintenance Support Department Head for the 2m Electronic Module Test and Repair Facility and Calibration Center

Retired from active duty on August 31, 2005

Once retired from the Navy Alen Sanders set his focus on Blakely Dam in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Where he began another nearly 20-year career with the United States Army Corp of Engineers.

He started as a Budget Tech in 2007, then becoming a Power Plant Trainee in 2008, followed by several years as an Operator beginning in 2011, and last a Senior Controller from 2015-2025.

Alen is predeceased by his parents Clyde F. Sanders and Betty Jo Farr, and a brother Clyde F. Sanders Jr.

Alen is survived by his wife Paula Carter Sanders, brother Lewis Farr Sanders (Karan), daughter Amy Sanders-Neitzel (William), one grandson Henry Allen Sanders-Neitzel.

Due to extreme allergies the family asks that in lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Pleasant Hill Cemetery where Alen spent time placing flags on veterans’ graves, honoring them year after year. Those honorary donations can be sent to Pleasant Hill Cemetery c/o Caroline Wilson, 11540 Hwy 84, Bismark AR 71929