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John Edward Sanders
MAY 18, 1930 – AUGUST 27, 2022
We are sad to announce the passing of Master Sargent (ret) John E. Sanders.
John E Sanders, 92, of La Porte, TX passed away August 27, 2022 peacefully and with family by his side. One of 13 children, John was born in May of 1930 to the late Frank & Teresa Sander. He spent his youth working the family farm, chasing after chickens and milking cows and tending the garden. After graduating from Corry High School in Corry, PA, he enlisted in the U.S. military. He served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars and traveled the U.S. and the world during his time in the service. It was during his first tour in Germany that he met the love of his life, Ilse. John and Ilse married in 1959 in her hometown of Idar-Oberstein, Germany. Following his retirement from the military after 30 years, John and his family settled in La Porte, TX where he worked as a medical technician for another 25 years at a chemical plant. Following his second retirement, he took up the task of perfecting his cooking while Ilse managed the dirty pots and pans.
Over the course of their 63 years of marriage, John and Ilse raised 4 children, and spoiled 8 grandchildren. John valued family above everything and took immense pride in watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow. One of his favorite activities to share with his family was watching sports, especially when watching the Houston Astros, Pittsburgh Steelers or the U.S. National Soccer teams. John was witty, curious, and had a generous spirit. With a heart of gold, he knew no stranger. Whether a neighbor or new acquaintance, he was always more than willing to share a smile, break bread, or lend a hand.
John is preceded in death by his parents, 6 brothers, 5 sisters, and son-in-law, James Sullivan.
In addition to his wife, Ilse, John is survived by his four daughters: Andrea (Vincent), Lorna, Lugene (Jim), and Linda (Brad); 8 grandchildren: Amber, John, Brittany, Alex, Kyle, Casey, Christiana, and Katelyn; 8 great-grandchildren: Jake, Emily, Katie, Madison, Sage, Ethan, Cora, and Emerson; one brother: Pete Sander of Corry, PA; two sisters-in-law: Faith Sanders of Corry, PA and Dora Sanders of Broken Arrow, OK; one brother-in-law: Willi Herrmann of Idar-Oberstein, Germany; and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his honor be made to Wounded Warriors Project or the Houston Food Bank.