Van Doyle Sanders

December 22, 1929 - April 14, 2024

Van Doyle Sanders, a long time Casa Grande resident, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on April

14, 2024.

Van (known as ‘Van Doyle’ to friends) was born on December 22, 1929 in Nankipoo, Tennessee. He was

the youngest son of Fred and Blanche Sanders. His mother died when he was two. His father remarried

Lorene Webb who lovingly raised Van and his brother and sister, ‘Bubba’ and Martha, as her own.

Van attended grade school in his little town of Nankipoo. He went to high school in nearby Halls,

Tennessee where he played football all four years. It was also at Halls he met and fell in love with his

future bride, Jenny Thompson. She was called ‘Johnny’ by most but Dad would call her his ‘Jenny Lou’

for the entire 69 years they were married.

After serving in the Navy for two years and receiving certification as a medical tech, Mom and Dad were

married on January 5, 1952. After the birth of their first son, Steve, they moved to Casa Grande in 1953.

Dad worked as a medical technician for Dr. Tucker for 20 years, then at Anderson Clayton Cotton. His

final and favorite ‘JOB’ was as a Care Minister at Trinity Southern Baptist Church beginning in 1980.

He served generations of members at Trinity from the date he and his family joined in 1964 until the day

he was called home by his Savior and Lord. In fact, he was still reporting to work just five days before he

passed. He sincerely loved Trinity and its people.

Dad loved his home he called ‘905’. His yard was his pride and joy and often a cool spot under the giant

pine tree for tired dogs or the mail man and police to have lunch in the shade. His front porch swing

was his and Mom’s place to camp themselves almost daily- just talking, reading devotionals or saying

nothing. Many a neighbor would walk by and yell out ‘Hey Van and Jenny!’. His dream and wish was to

pass at the home that brought him and his family so much joy for over 60 years. That dream came true

yesterday, April 14, 2024.

Van is survived by his oldest son Steve (Cris) of Casa Grande, youngest son Richard (Lori) of Phoenix, and

grandchildren: Brad Byerly of Atlanta, Laura Sanders of Phoenix, and great grandchildren: Logan and

Mckay.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Jenny Lou, his parents his brother and sister.

Services will be this Friday, April 19th at 10:00 at Trinity Southern Baptist Church, 1100 E. Trinity Pl. Casa

Grande, AZ. Dr. Phil Calvert officiating.