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Robert Leroy Sanders, 82, passed away at his home October 23, 2024, in Great Bend, Kansas. He was born January 26, 1942, in Great Bend to Robert & Anna Mae (Mangus) Sanders.

After graduating from Great Bend High School in 1959, Robert went straight to work for his grandfather in the oilfield. His first job was for Rosencrantz-Bemis Enterprises. He worked for his father for different oilfield companies including being a tool pusher for Warren Drilling, welder at O'Neil Tank and Roto Mix in Hoisington. He went on to become a Bear Certified front end mechanic. Robert married Diana Elizabeth Schwager July 7, 1962, at Great Bend, Kansas. They shared 55 years together until her passing July 8, 2017.

Survivors include three sons, Robert E. Sanders and his wife Cindy of Longwood, Fla., Kenneth Sanders of St. Petersburg, Fla., Matthew Sanders and his wife Stacy of Great Bend; daughter, Gwendolyn Maris and her husband Brett of Trenton, Neb.; grandchildren, Christina Deason and her husband Vince, Rebecca Smith, Julian Shuey, Dalton Shuey, Lexi Maris, Jordin Scott, Sabastian Zamora, Ivan Zamora, Paige Sanders, Cole Sanders; great grandchildren, Shelbie Ibarra, Aaron Deason,  Leslie Sanders, Jadyn Smith, Aiden Sanders, Levi Shuey, Tori Shuey, Paisley Zamora, Breckyn Scott, Grayson Scott, Ezra Zamora, Dayna Sanders, Averi Robinson; great great grandchildren, Kaisley Ibarra, Elizabeth Ibarra, Riley Grissom; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, beloved wife, Diana Sanders; grandsons, infant Nicholas Smith and Christian Zamora; infant brother, Luther Lindell, and sister, Margaret Smith.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, October 25, 2024, with a Rosary and Vigil at 7:00 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St Patrick Catholic Church with Father Prakash Kola and concelebrant Father Warren Stecklein presiding. Family requests guests casual dress attire. Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery. Memorials have been designated to Oil and Gas Museum, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.