Grover E. Sanders

Memorial services for Grover E. Sanders, 97, of Lawrence will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 16, at Presbyterian Manor. He passed away Wednesday, May 16, 2018.

Grover E. Sanders was born November 15, 1920, near Protection, KS. He was the son of Grover C. and Rebie (Wilburn) Sanders. In 1948, he married Betty Butts of Protection, both having served in WWII. After being stationed around the country, they moved to Wichita in 1956 and Lawrence in 1999. In addition to a career in the Navy, including service in the Pacific during WWII and as a recruiter for the reserves in Wichita, Grover worked as a B-52 mechanic at Boeing and as a substitute rural mail carrier.

Grover was exceptionally devoted to family, friends and his community. Whether it was serving as a school board member, church deacon, CASA volunteer, or hospital escort; furnishing supplies to the homeless shelter or other agencies helping those in need; creating a memorial fund for KUMC, a grief support group, or a WWII veterans’ group—whatever he was able to do, he believed service gives life meaning and helps compensate for the resources required to live a long life. His genuine interest in people, keen sense of humor, sagacious wisdom, eloquent expressions of faith, practical solutions, love of nature, and enthusiasm for life were among the qualities that made him widely appreciated and well-loved. Thank you to all whose friendship and care added to his enjoyment and quality of life.

Grover was preceded in death by his parents, wife, 4 siblings, and 1 grandchild. Survivors include his daughter, Sandra Sanders, and husband, Frank Hoffman, Lawrence; son, James Sanders, and wife, Ellen Ryan, Fairway, KS; daughter, Denise Sanders, and husband, Gary Zangerle, Marlton, NJ; brother, Glenn Sanders, Winona, MN; sister, Mary Schultz, Protection, KS; 6 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren.

The family will greet guests beginning at 10:00 and until 12:00 after the service. Internment with military honors will be in Oak Hill Cemetery at 12:30 p.m. on June 16.

Memorial donations may be made in Grover’s name to the Lawrence Presbyterian Manor (LPM) Employee Scholarship Fund, Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association, Lawrence Homeless Shelter, or the Betty Butts Sanders Memorial Fund at KU Endowment Association.

6 Condolences

  1. Mary Gordon on May 20, 2018 at 3:39 pm

    Dear Sandy and family,

    I am very saddened to hear of your dad’s death. I just loved him. I can just picture him at LMH when he finished his volunteer shift. He would come to our desk and tell us a joke or a story. He had LOTS of them. His twinkling eyes lit up while he was, I think, probably “enhancing” his story or joke. He was “one of a kind” as it is said. He will be deeply missed. Love, Mary Gordon



  2. Rich Johnson on May 20, 2018 at 10:04 pm

    I have always enjoyed my visits with “colonel” sanders.I regret deeply that I did not continue after the first visit that I made after he left his home.He seemed to enjoy his new location and being able to make new friends.I was always impressed with Grovers love and dedication to the US Navy and his family.Although we are years apart,we found a common ground.I will always have that Navy flag hanging from my shop ceiling,plus other treasures,that were given to me.Rest in peace my fellow sailor.Thanks for the memories. Rich Johnson



  3. Tamra Councilman on May 21, 2018 at 11:57 am

    I am so grateful knowing Grover. What a lovely man he was. Sending loving thoughts to his family.



  4. Sylvie Rueff on May 24, 2018 at 12:57 pm

    A more generous spirit is hard to imagine. Grover was always thinking about new ways to help. His spirit will live on in all who knew him, and we are all better for that. Grover, thanks for sharing. And, Sandy, thanks for helping him in his efforts.



  5. Colonel Dan Welch USMC (RET) on May 25, 2018 at 7:20 am

    Grover was a good friend and always had a kind word and a smile. I lost contact during my deployment overseas, but thanks to Sandra we reconnected. It was so typical Grover that he set up a veterans group at the Manor and it was my honor to be able to speak to that group. You will be missed my friend! Semper Fidelis



  6. John Esau on June 13, 2018 at 2:45 pm

    I met Grover when I helped sell his home. He was a charming and delightful gentleman with a good sense of humor. I feel privileged to have known him, even if very briefly. My condolences to Sandy and Grover’s family. May he Rest in Peace.



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