Wade Arlin Sanders, 85, of Heavener, Oklahoma was born to Eli and Becky (Jones) Sanders in Bates, Arkansas. He went home to be with the Lord on July 30, 2026 while being surrounded by his family at his home.

He is survived by:

Four daughters: Denise Lowery and husband Richard, Carletta Lewis and husband Robert, Amy Baker and husband Tony, and Kimberly Flinn

One son: Matthew Sanders and wife Lisa

One sister: Cecil Tull

One brother: Robert Sanders

His grandchildren: David Lowery, Amber McNutt and husband Brian “BJ”, Kyle Pope and wife Cheyenne, Kira Brice and husband Travis, Joshua Stallings and wife Sarah, Michaela Anderson and husband Brad, Michael Owens and wife Rebecca, Victoria Owens, Aaron Baker, Trenton Sanders and wife Kim, Tekoa Crow and husband Conner, Lakelyn Sanders, Dalton Smithey, and Haydon Smithey

20 great-grandchildren

Numerous nephews, nieces, other loved ones, and a host of friends

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eli and Becky (Jones) Sanders; his wife, Mary (Gordon) Sanders; one daughter, Kimberland Sanders; one son, Ronald Owens; a great-grandson, Leland Crow; three sisters Sally Scherril, Dorothy Duncan, and Angie Williams; and three brothers Roger Sanders, Elzie “Hoot” Sanders, and Sidney Sanders..

Wade was a dedicated resident of the area. He worked for the Kansas City Railroad as a Maintenance of Way for many years until his retirement. He cherished his connection to the Forrester Baptist Church, where he was a devoted member for 49 years. Wade was a veteran, where he served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era. Above all, Wade treasured time spent with his family. His absence will be felt deeply by all who knew and loved him.

A memorial service to honor Wade’s life will be at 2:00 p.m., Monday, August 3, 2026 at Forrester Baptist Church in Heavener, Oklahoma with Reverend Mike Steelman and Brother Mark Cook officiating with military honors provided by the Poteau DAV Chapter #63. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener, Oklahoma.