Robert Clay "Bob" Sanders, 90, of AZ and IL, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on March 4, 2023.
Bob was born at home on October 12, 1932 to Loren and Opal (Kimmel) Sanders in Marion, IL.

After graduating from Marion High School in 1951, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and proudly served as a cook for his fellow comrades at Camp Atterbury in Indiana and Fort Hood in Texas.

Bob met the love of his life, Sue Ann Hughes, in 1956 at The Corner Cupboard in Barrington, IL. Being married 3 months later on Friday the 13th in July of 1956, they celebrated many anniversaries together during their 66 wedded years. Bob and Sue raised four children, William (Linda Sue) Sanders, Robin (James) Friel, Robert (Sharon) Sanders and Lark (Theresa) Sanders, while living in the states of Colorado, Texas and
finally in the Algonquin, IL area. They have 14 grandchildren and 19 (and counting) great grandchildren.

His body may be gone, but Bob's spirit continues to live on through his artistic mark on several businesses and private homes throughout the years. Bob was a bricklayer by trade, a life member of the International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers. He retired after 35 years. Bob was a Shriner with the Scottish Rites. He had his own precast fabricating business and won the bids for building many La Quinta Inn and Suites.

Bob was well liked and will be long remembered by all those he encountered. His wit was quicker than most. When he was not working, you could find Bob laughing and joking, creating lasting and living memories while camping with family and friends across the nation, working on rehab projects, putting in bushes and plants, tinkering on random engines, crafting wood projects, carving, testing his luck at casinos, or going to
garage sales with Sue.

Robert was predeceased by his parents Loren and Opal; sisters Wanda Jewell Jenkins, Helen Delores Kelley and Barbara Geraldine Sanders; brother Paul Wayne Sanders; and granddaughter Michelle Erin Sanders. Bob is survived by his wife, children,
grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at the Desert Air Estates Clubhouse, 8665 Desert Springs Dr., Yuma, AZ on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, 2 p.m.