Robert William Sanders passed from this life on Monday, April 2, 2007 in Tahlequah at 73 years of age. He was the youngest of twelve, born on June 15, 1933, in Christie, Oklahoma to Charles and Jessie (Starr) Sanders. Robert grew up in Adair County and attended school at Christie and Baron elementary schools. In 1951, he graduated from Sequoyah Vocational School. He was part of the 1949 Class C State Runner-Up team that finished with a season record of 12-1-1. He served the United States for two tours of duty. While serving in West Germany, he played fullback for the Friedburg Cougars and was voted MVP by his teammates for the 1960 season. He was named captain of the 3rd Armored Division All-Star football team. He also played baseball for the V (5th) Corps Guardians and the Friedburg Rammers. He reenlisted in the Army for his second tour serving again in Germany. He served the United States for over 81/2 years before his honorable discharge in 1962. Robert married Wauneta Irene Hendricks in 1962 at the original First Baptist Church in Tahlequah. He attended Northeastern State College (now NSU) and played football as linebacker. At the age of 29, he was the oldest member of the football team and was dubbed “Ol’ Folks” by Coach Norwood. He later received a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and a minor in history. Robert began his career in education at Chilocco Indian School where he served as a recreational specialist and later he coached wrestling and taught physical education. In August of 1966, he relocated to Sequoyah High School where he coached football and taught history and physical education classes. He also coached baseball, softball, and girl’s and boy’s basketball. Robert’s career at Sequoyah spanned over 20 years until his retirement in 1987. He was a charter member of Cherry Springs Golf Club, a member of Oklahoma Secondary Schools Athletic Association, and a member of Southside Baptist Church. Robert enjoyed going to the Crescent Valley Jamboree, listening to country western music, doing crossword puzzles, watching football, basketball and golf on television, and most of all, spending time with his family and grandchildren.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Jessie Sanders; 4 sisters, Susie Raines, Louisa Swake, Crystal Butler and Charlotte Cone; and 3 brothers, Arthur “Judd” Sanders, Martin Sanders and Calvin Sanders. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Wauneta Sanders, of the home; a daughter, Roxanne Sanders-Kelley and her husband, Eugene Kelley, of Keys; 2 sons, Robert “R.C.” Sanders of Tahlequah and Monte Sanders of Keys; 2 sisters, Jessie Skrzypczak and husband, Ray, of Tulsa and Violet Hull of Tulsa; 2 brothers, Joseph Sanders and wife, Becky, of Broken Arrow and Lemuel Sanders and wife, Jackie, of Tahlequah; 8 grandchildren, Christopher Kirk, Jacob Kirk, Alexis Kelley, Ryan Sanders, Rhiannon Sanders, Zachary Sanders, Kailey Sanders and Joseph Sanders; numerous nieces and nephews; and countless friends and loved ones.

Service will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Monday, April 9, 2007, at Reed-Culver Funeral Chapel with Pastor J.E. Cook and Pastor L.B. Wildcat officiating. Interment will follow at Fort Gibson National Cemetery at 2:00 P.M. Casketbearers are Dewayne Marshall, Buddy Lindsey, Chebon Wacoche, Jeff Vance, John Easter and Brad Peak. Honorary casketbearers are Raymond Yahola, Johnny Hunter and the entire “Tribe” at Cherry Springs Golf Club. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Reed-Culver Funeral Home, (918) 456-2551.