Lester "Norman" Sanders

Norm was born on August 21, 1927 in Centralia, Illinois to Amos and Edith (Coates) Sanders. As a kid, Norm would balance the number of whippings he might get versus the fun he could have, and that didn't wane as he got older. He excelled in sports and set records in basketball and track. When coaching the ladies' basketball team while at Greenville College, he benched the future love of his life, Violet Goodrich, so he could spend more time with her.

In early 1945, at 17 years old, hoping to see action in WWII, Norm misrepresented his age to join the military. He applied to flight school with the Air Force, but the classes were full. So he joined the Merchant Marines. Initially stationed on a hospital ship in San Francisco bay, his ship treated numerous prisoners injured in the infamous Battle of Alcatraz in May of 1946. Shortly afterward, his sweetheart joined him in San Francisco and they were married. Later, Norm shipped out serving as the Chief Warrant Officer on the ship. After completing his military service, Norm returned to Vi, completed his college degree in hospital administration, and took his first job in Michigan, where they started their family. Norm's career in hospital administration grew as he became an expert in building hospitals, a specialty which took them across Michigan to Illinois, and eventually to Baytown, Texas. However, rather than retiring after a 30 year career, Norm started several others, including becoming an entrepreneur until he sold his last business in 2024, at the age of 96. His resilience and energy could not be matched.

Norm loved fishing, eating, talking to anyone who would listen (especially about holistic health) and he loved the Lord. He survived WW2 and cancer, and he loved ice cream but wouldn't take milk in his coffee. He was as patient as he was kind, and he trusted strangers if they believed in Jesus, but not Doctors who were younger than him. He was afraid of nothing, helped take out his own tonsils, and was incredibly strong, even until his last days. He loved deeply, and what he wanted more than anything was for his family to love and accept Jesus.

Norm is survived by his younger brother Everett, his children, Kathy Guidry, Konnie and Dwight Briggs, Ken and Nancy Sanders and Kraig and Jessica Sanders, 14 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and countless friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, his 5 older brothers and sisters, and the love of his life, Violet Sanders.

A visitation for Norman will be held Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Calvary Hill Funeral Home and Cem, 21723 Aldine-Westfield Road, Humble, TX 77338. A celebration of life will occur Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 21723 Aldine-Westfield Road, Humble, TX 77338. A committal service with military honors will occur Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery, 18000 I-45, The Woodlands, TX 77384.

In fondest memory of Norman Sanders