Johnnie "John" Wayne Sanders

December 18, 1948 ~ June 15, 2024

Johnnie "John" Wayne Sanders of Oklahoma City, passed away shortly before midnight on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at the age of 75 surrounded by loved ones. He was born on December 18, 1948 in Holdenville, Oklahoma to his parents Marvin and Marie. John grew up in Oklahoma City and was a proud 1968 graduate of Capitol Hill High School. In 1969 he began a 26-year career at Tinker Field, retiring in June 1995. John loved to be of service and continued working with the Goodwill starting in 2008. However, he truly enjoyed his final years serving in the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office and retiring in 2018. John was an avid supporter of Oklahoma State University's sports programs, especially the Cowboy's football team! He was even extended the opportunity last year to tour Boone Pickens Stadium and take the field just like team. John loved Bedlam games and could tell you the score from just about any year. How 'bout them Cowboys! Go Pokes! He loved to record games, watch old movies including Westerns, and just like his mom – he loved a good Soap Opera especially The Bold & The Beautiful. John loved to roller-skate, ice-skate, ride a bike, ride a motorcycle, and drive his Camaro and Corvette. He was a member of Penn Avenue Baptist Church in Oklahoma City for several years and enjoyed fellowship with his church family. John enjoyed taking ski trips with his best friend, Ronnie Huff, who he knew since the second grade at Stand Watie Elementary. When his health no longer allowed him to drive, Ronnie would frequently pick up John and take him to worship at Portland Pentecostal Church. In fact, John attended church just two weeks ago. John will be remembered as an honest and kind person, who led a simple life, loved his family, and served the Lord.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his brother Marvin Ray Sanders; his nephew Scott Sanders & mother Pat Sanders; cousins: Brenda Foster & family; Pam Uitti & family; Edwina Harrington Barsuhn & family; Linda Tollison & family, his best friend Ronnie Huff, as well as many church family members & friends.

Viewing will be held at the S. Western Location on Wednesday and Thursday from 4:00 - 8:00 PM, with family greeting friends on Thursday from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Funeral Services will be held Friday, June 21, 2024 at 3:00 pm in Vondel L. Smith & Sons Mortuary South Colonial Chapel (6934 S. Western Ave), with burial to follow at Resthaven (Oklahoma City).