Howard Sanders

Howard William Sanders, 87, of Spavinaw, passed from this life on Saturday, July 31, 2021 in Claremore, Oklahoma. He was born on December 9, 1933 in Vinita, Oklahoma; the son of Nathan Powell Sanders and Claire Alice (Austin) Sanders. On January 3, 1958, Howard married Eloise (Gillum) Sanders. He went on to serve in law enforcement for over 30 years, 28 of those years he was the Chief of Police in Salina. He loved working cows, tending to his farm, and turkey hunting. Howard also enjoyed going to the casino and gambling, he even made a few trips to Las Vegas to gamble. He was an avid OU and Patriots fan and loved watching games on Sunday afternoons. Above all, he loved his family, especially his kids and grandkids. He leaves behind many wonderful memories, and will be dearly missed.

Funeral services for Howard will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, August 5, 2021 at Blue Springs Church with Reverend Lorne Beck officiating. Burial will follow at Spavinaw Strang Cemetery with Ethan Sanders, Jeremy Scott, Jerrod Scott, Cody Scott, Stephen Newby, and Stewart Allen Newby serving as casket bearers. Honorary casket bearer will be DeLynn Newby. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at Shipman’s Funeral Home. To leave his family a message, please visit his Tribute Wall at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman’s Funeral & Cremation Service.

Howard is survived by his son, Wayne Sanders and wife Carmen of Salina; daughters, Debra Newby and husband Stewart of Spavinaw and Claire Scott and husband Donnie of Spavinaw; brothers, Ray Sanders and wife Pat of Salina, GB Sanders of Salina, and Roy Sanders and wife Ava of Owasso; sisters, Imogene Stafford and husband Bob of Locust Grove and Betty Stilley and husband Cullis of Spavinaw; 7 grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Nathan and Claire; wife, Eloise Sanders (November 9, 2002); sister, Jerry Sanders; brothers, Albert, Elbert, and Junior Sanders; and grandson, Nathan Wayne Sanders.