Frederick A. "Fred" Sanders, 86 years, of Bryan, passed away early Friday morning, January 27, 2023, at Bryan Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Bryan.  Fred was born January 27, 1937, in St. Mary's Ohio, the son of the late Gerald and Viola (Topp) Sanders,  He was a 1955 graduate of St. Mary's High School.  He then served our country in the United States Air Force, serving for 12 years.  He married Helen E. Russell on March 17, 1959, in St. Mary's, Ohio, and she survives.  Fred began his working career at Hayes-Albion where he stayed for 12 years.  He then went to work at Sauder Woodworking where he was a Line Leader for 20 years, retiring in 2001. He was a charter member and one of the original Deacons of Eastland Baptist Church. Fred enjoyed fishing, traveling with his wife Helen, tending to his rose garden, playing cards and board games, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Surviving is his wife, Helen of Bryan; two children, Debra (David) Kepler-Miller of Bryan and Allen (Cindy) Sanders of Pineville, Kentucky; five grandchildren, Stephanie (Alan) Audette of Cincinnati, Ohio, Renee (Tyler) Easter of Batavia, Ohio, Chet (Renee) Kepler of El Cajon, California, Candace (Brandon) Caudill of Cincinnati, Ohio and Fred (Nora) Sanders, III, of Bryan; 17 great-grandchildren; one brother, Ralph Sanders of St. Mary's, Ohio; two sisters-in-law, Lois Fortner of Bryan, Ohio and Elsie Fortner of Mansfield, Ohio.  He was preceded in death by his parents; one son-in-law, Steve Kepler; four sisters, five brothers and one sister-in-law.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at Eastland Baptist Church, 1229 East High Street Bryan, Ohio, on Thursday, February 2, 2023, beginning at 12:00 Noon, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, with Pastor Jeff Sheldon officiating.  Inurnment will follow in Brown Cemetery, Bryan with Military Graveside Rites accorded by the combined units from the Bryan American Legion Post 284 and the Bryan VFW Post 2489.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions be made to Eastland Baptist Church.

Condolences may be sent to the family or memories may be shared at www.oberlinturnbull.com