Dean Sanders

Leonard D. “Dean” Sanders, 84, of Odin passed away surrounded by his family Monday, May 1, 2023. He was born on June 19, 1938, the son of Leonard Paul and Mabel (Hart) Sanders in Sandoval. He married Shirley (McNelly) Rudolph, and she preceded him in death on January 21, 2023.

Dean is survived by his daughter Debbie Bosler (Keith Callender) of Odin; sons, Gary (Leah) Rudolph of Sandoval, and Mark (Theresa) Rudolph of Junction City; grandchildren Shane, William, Davy, Brandon, Zachary, and Tressa; great-grandchildren, Brenden, Henry, Liam, Skyler, Quinn, Mila, Logan, and Drake; brothers, Sonny (Sue) Sanders of Sandoval, and Larry Sanders of Flora; good camping friends, Richard and Marie Braddy; several nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Along with his wife, Shirley Sanders, Dean was preceded in death by his parents; his grandson, Michael Mansker.

Dean was a United States Army veteran who served his country with honor. He was a proud Christian, serving at Junction City Baptist Church and later Eternity Baptist Church, where he was loved by his church family. Dean liked to keep active and always enjoyed time spent outdoors. He could be found by the water, fishing for channel catfish or checking on his trot lines. Dean was an avid hunter who especially liked hunting squirrels and deer. He was a big fan of boating and camping out, making many lasting friendships with fellow campers. Dean could easily hold the title of the St. Louis Cardinals biggest fan, watching every game either from his favorite chair or listening to the radio out on the porch, making sure not to miss a play. It was a love he shared with his family, and they hold many great memories of cheering the Cards on to victory. Dean was a man of integrity who knew the value of family ties who will be dearly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

A celebration of life service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, May 5, 2023, at the Day Macz Funeral Home in Sandoval with Pastor Josh Wolford  officiating. Interment will follow at Sandoval City Cemetery where military rites will be accorded by Centralia VFW Post 2055 American Legion Post 446. Friends and relatives are welcome to a visitation time, wearing their St. Louis Cardinal colors, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday at the funeral home in Sandoval. Memorials may be made in Dean’s honor to the Donor’s Choice. Online condolences and memories of Dean may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dean Sanders, please visit our floral store.