Cecil Thomas Sanders of Clayton, Oklahoma went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ January 12, 2016 at his home while in the presence of his family. He was 70 years old. Cecil was born October 19, 1945 in Lane, Oklahoma to Thomas and Syble (Faulkenberry) Sanders, and he married Betty Allen June 25, 1968 in Clayton.

Cecil received an Achievement Medal for Civilian Service -- for over twenty six years of exceptional service to his country. Prior to working as a civil servant, Mr. Sanders served honorably as a Rifleman in the Marines for two years from 1965 to 1967 with thirteen months of that time being spent in Vietnam. While employed at McAlester Army Ammunition Plant, he began his career in 1986 as a Wood Worker in the Shipping Branch and finished after twenty four years as a Blocker and Bracer Supervisor in Depot Operations. Through his leadership, sound judgment, professional knowledge and dedication, Mr. Sanders played a vital support role for the War Fighters. His devotion to duty and professionalism bring great credit to himself, MCAAP, the Joint Munitions Command and the U.S. Army as a whole.

On April 18, 2011 Cecil helped to establish the Tuskahoma Christian Church where he and Pete Heflin shared in the privilege of preaching for the church. Cecil was the Song Leader and Adult Sunday School Teacher. He was called on many times to conduct funerals, doing so with compassion and concern for the grieving families. He performed all these duties until ill health prevented him from continuing. Cecil loved God, his family, his church family, his work family and many friends. He was extremely patriotic and respectful of the United States of America. He would proudly tell others about his military service in the US Marine Corps: Once a Marine, Always a Marine.

Cecil loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping with family and friends. During his time as a truck driver Cecil developed a love for exploring America.. After he and Betty retired they spent much of their time traveling the country. They had visited 26 states and loved taking the back roads and scenic byways and visiting national parks. He especially enjoyed the red wood forest and the pacific ocean.

Cecil is preceded in death by his Parents, his son Derrick Wayne Sanders and his sister Diane Harris.

He leaves behind a loving family that includes his wife of 47 years, Betty of the home; two sons Patrick Sanders and his wife Stacey of Haileyville, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Sierra Sanders, Kaylee Sanders, Bryxton Sanders and Dalley Huster-Sanders; step grandchild Kayleigh Post; five sisters Pat Joslin of Joslin Valley, Oklahoma; Barbara McKinney and her husband Don of Antlers, Oklahoma; Mary Poe and her husband Gerald of Lovington, New Mexico; Sue Alexander and her husband Paul of Tecumseh, Oklahoma; Darlene Howze and her husband Gerald of Stigler, Oklahoma; brother Wayne Sanders of Clayton, Oklahoma as well as numerous other relatives and a host of friends.

Services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, January 16th, 2015 at the First Baptist Church of Clayton. Interment with military honors will follow at A.L. Stephens Cemetery