John W. Sanders
John W. Sanders, 81, of Washington, died Sunday, February 10, 2019, in the Washington Hospital, following a brief illness.
He was born March 1, 1937, in Prosperity, a son of the late T. Reed and Jeanette Bamberger Sanders.
Mr. Sanders was a 1955 graduate of Trinity High School and a veteran of the U.S. Army, where he served as a forward radio operator. He achieved the rank of Corporal and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal for his service.
He had been employed by UNOCAL Oil Company, Molycorp Division in Washington, where he was supervisor of shipping and receiving. He retired in 1992 after 33 years of service.
Mr. Sanders had been a member of F&AM Sunset Lodge 623 of Washington since 1971, Consistory of the Valley of Pittsburgh, a member of the York Rite Bodies, Washington Royal Arch Chapter 150, Washington Council 1, Jacques DeMolay Commandery 3, the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Charter member of Greene County Scottish Rite Club, Masonic Veterans, High Twelve, United States Premier Conclave Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine and Appendant Orders, life member of the Tall Cedars Wa-Cha-Gree Forest 149 where he served as a Ranger and former Chief Ranger, Grand Tall Cedar, Supreme Forest Provost Guard and former President of the Present and Past Officers Association. He was also a member of Syria Temple A.A.O.N.M.S., Pittsburgh, former President and former Deputy of the Greene County Caravan No. 2, a member of the Deputy Unit, Syria Shrine, and had been appointed as Ambassador of Syria Shrine.
He was a life member of the Elks Lodge 776, a member of American Legion Post 175 of Washington and a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.
Mr. Sanders was a 70 year member of the Upper Ten Mile Presbyterian Church of Prosperity and had a love for family, hunting, fishing, antiques, woodworking, Duncan Miller Glassware, and spending time with his wife and friends at their camp in Tionesta.
Although extremely modest and humble through his selfless volunteering and generous philanthropy, John has touched too many lives of all ages to be able to be counted.
On May 4, 1957, he married Marianne Snyder Sanders, who survives.
Also surviving are a sister, Shirley McLaughlin (Wallace) of Prosperity; three brothers, Carl Sanders (Mona L.) of Prosperity, Bob Sanders (Bootsie) of Prosperity and Mike Sanders (Shirley) of Washington; and a sister-in-law, Elaine Clark of Louisville, Ohio; 19 nieces and nephews; and several great and great-great-nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, February 14, in the John B. Greenlee Funeral Home Ltd., 2830 Main Street Beallsville, PA 15313, and Friday, February 15, from 10 to 11 a.m., the time of service, in the Upper Ten Mile Presbyterian Church, 25 Church Lane Prosperity, with Pastor Frank Menhart officiating. Interment will follow in the Upper Ten Mile Presbyterian Church Cemetery. F&AM Sunset Lodge 623 will conduct services Thursday at 7 p.m. in the funeral home. Full graveside Military Rites will be accorded by the American Legion Post 175 of Washington. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Upper Ten Mile Presbyterian Church Trustee Fund, 25 Church Lane, Prosperity, PA 15329. Online guest book and personal condolences may be accessed at www.GreenleeFuneral Home.com.