A. Wayne Sanders
A. Wayne Sanders, 63, died at his home in Tyler, Texas on Thursday, March 30, 2006. For those of us who loved him so very much, a bright light has gone from our lives. We know, though, that an even brighter light has embraced him as he has completed his journey on Earth and returned to the loving arms of his Lord and been reunited with the many loved ones awaiting his arrival.
Wayne was born on October 16, 1942 to Nellie and Archie Thurmond Sanders in Vidor, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his brothers, Ernest, Roland, and Harold Sanders and sisters, Myrtle Pruitt and Mildred Bush.
Wayne began his career at McJunkin Corporation in 1965. His drive and determination led him from the warehouse where he began as a young man to the highest level of management. He then founded his own corporation, Sandco International, Inc. Prior to his retirement in 1997, he served as Vice President of Texas Metal Works. Throughout his career, Wayne loved his work and often referred to the "blessing" of the loving and lasting relationships he developed with friends and colleagues at each stage.
In spite of his success in the business world, Wayne was most proud of his family. He was the consummate husband, father and Papa. He radiated with love and was a constant source of laughter. He was an avid prankster and entertainer, keeping us supplied with stories for years to come.
Wayne is survived by his wife of forty years, Carol Ann Dattalo Sanders of Tyler; son, Kyle Sanders and wife Elizabeth of Houston; daughter, Kelly Murff and her husband Randy of Tyler; grandchildren Will and Katherine Murff of Tyler and his third grandchild, Liam Sanders, whose birth this month he was so joyously anticipating. Wayne is also survived by his sister, Maxine Tremont of Missouri City; and his brother, Archie Sanders of Beaumont.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 2:00 P.M.on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 at St. Anthony's Cathedral in Beaumont, Texas. A gathering of family and friends will be at Broussard's, 1605 North Major Drive at 11:00 AM preceding the Mass. Serving as pallbearers will be Jay Law, Gerald Kokenes, Gaile Henry, Van Croft, George Morgan, III, and Butch Pitts. A graveside service will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, April 5, 2006 at Cathedral in the Pines Cemetery, 7825 South Broadway in Tyler under the direction of Broussard’s.
