INDIANAPOLIS
Robert D. Sanders, 84, of Indianapolis, died Thursday, May 19, 2016, in St. Francis Hospital following a sudden illness.
He was born in Indianapolis on Dec. 8, 1931, the son of Lawrence C. and Celestine J. Craney Sanders.
Robert graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in 1950, and as an adult attended Herron School of Art and Design. He was a longtime member of St. Barnabas Catholic Church.
Robert worked alongside his father and then later jointly owned Sanders Cleaners with his siblings before retiring in 1991.
He was the past president of the Southside Exchange Club and a member of the Knights of Columbus Monsignor Downey Council No. 3660.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Thomas in 2000; and son, Joseph in 1958.
His survivors include his wife, Joyce A. (Kunkel) Sanders, whom he married May 12, 1956; six children, Robert D. (Molly) Sanders, Julie (Mike) Thomas, John Sanders, Joann (Wade) Yensel, all of Indianapolis, Stephen (Ellen) Sanders of Carmel, Mary (Mike) Rebrukh of Trabuco Canyon, California; eight grandchildren; and sister, Janet Siakotos of Indianapolis.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Daniel F. O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 S. East St. (U.S. 31 South), Indianapolis. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Barnabas Catholic Church, 8300 Rahke Road, Indianapolis, with prayers at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Robert will be interred in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Barnabas Church.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at orileyfuneralhome.com.
