Melvin George Sanders, Sr. Obituary (1922 - 2011)

Melvin George Sanders, Sr., husband, father and grandfather, age 89, passed away peacefully, August 7, 2011. He was born January 9, 1922 in Richmond, CA to George Henry Sanders and Ethel Brown, the third of six children, and was raised in Watsonville, CA. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Eastern States Mission, where he met his future wife, Zola Baker. He was an active member of the LDS Church serving in many positions. He and his wife also served together in the Salt Lake Family History Library and Boston MA missions. He was adventurous and liked to do active things. He joined the Army Air Corp after his mission, and was trained as a pilot. He had a life-long passion for Alaska and its midnight sun and also for flying. He moved to Alaska with his young family and was always connected to it thereafter. Alaska held a special place in his heart. He is survived by four children: Linda Patterson, Nancy Baker, Melvin Jr. (Karma), and Patti Allen, 15 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mae Hilden of Salt Lake City and June Fritz of Clovis, CA. He was preceded in death by his wife, Zola, and also his daughter, Susan Sanders. In accordance with his wishes, a graveside service will take place Wednesday, August 10, 2011, at 10:30 AM at Utah Veterans Memorial Park, 17111 Camp Williams Road, Riverton, UT. The family extends special thanks to Harmony Home Health for their loving and compassionate care.