OBITUARY ...
CLARENCE FRANKLIN SANDERS -
Clarence Franklin Sanders went to his glorious
Lord Jesus Christ December 1, 2006. He has found new strength to fly high on wings like eagles.
Clarence was born November
23, 1925 in Ryan, Oklahoma to Bert Franklin Sanders and Mabel Rausenberger Sanders. His brother Troy Lee Sanders was born
nine months later and later his sister Ethel Patricia Sanders Sonnevelt.
Clarence’s beloved mother died when the children were very young and they spent good times with their maternal
grandparents. Their father remarried wonderful, kind, Christian Lou Ella Jones, whom all loved dearly. Younger sister Betty
Lou Sanders Echols was born to Bert & Lou Ella.
As
described on this web site, Clarence served heroically on the LCI(G) 396 in the South Pacific during World War 2. He received
the Purple Heart medal for injuries from the mine blast that split the LCI(g) 396 into 2 parts.
Near the end of World War 2, on December 18, 1945, Clarence
and Wilda Jean Pilgreen were married in South Mills , North Carolina. When he was dismissed from the US Navy, they returned
to Oklahoma. Clarence earned his BS in physics and mathematics from University of Central Oklahoma. His distinguished career
involved always seeking a challenge working in the aerospace industry, building and testing rocket engines and control systems.Clarence
was President of "The Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology" (IEST) - a worldwide engineering association. Clarence
actively participated in this association many years and was widely recognized as a expert in his engineering field(s). In
1986 Clarence received the "Monroe Seligman Award" from IEST due to his outstanding service to IEST.
During this time Clarence and Wilda raised their children
Nancy Carol Sanders Miller, Michael Franklin Sanders, and Patricia Loyce Sanders Boyd.
Clarence, Wilda and the family enjoyed water-skiing, fishing, and many family vacations. Clarence
enjoyed piloting Mom around the nation in a private plane for family activities and conventions. Clarence and Wilda gained
fulfillment volunteering in Texas Baptist Retired Men’s Church Builders where they participated in helping build about 100
churches across Texas.
Clarence is survived by loving wife of 60 years,
Wilda Jean Pilgreen Sanders, daughter Nancy Carol Sanders Miller, and husband John, son Michael Franklin Sanders and wife
Cindy, daughter Patricia Loyce Sanders Boyd and husband Tony. He is survived also by his sister Ethel Patricia Sanders Sonnevelt,
brother Troy Lee Sanders and wife Georgia, and sister Betty Lou Sanders Echols and husband Royce.
Beloved grandchildren are Andrea Christine Miller Gatlin,
and husband Coley, Matthew Kit Miller, Holly Ranae Sanders Avants, and husband Cody, Scott Allen Sanders, and wife Michelle,
Kristin Ashley Boyd Howell, and husband David, Joseph Franklin Boyd, and Whitney Lee Boyd.
Darling great-granddaughters are Caroline Grace Gatlin, Claire Annsley Gatlin, Tatum Ranae
Avants, Kenadie Ann Avants.
He made few complaints about the troubles that
Parkinson’s Disease brought, but chose to trust God’s good plan and promises faithfully.
