Fred Sanders

A celebration of life is scheduled from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, June 8, at the home of Jeff and Staci Sanders for Fred Lee Sanders of Granbury, Texas.

Sanders, 88, passed away Friday, Dec. 22, 2023. He spent his last night surrounded by loved ones, telling stories, visiting and laughing.

Fred was born Nov. 9, 1935, in Healdton, Okla., to Marvin and Lorene Sanders. He later attended Artesia High School, where he was known as Fast Freddy for his speed and agility. He was the star football player for the Artesia Bulldogs from 1953-55 and held the New Mexico pole vault record for 13 years.

After graduating from Artesia, he attended New Mexico Military Institute and Eastern New Mexico University, from which he graduated.

In 1959, Fred married Anita Kizer, and together, they raised their two children, Cheryl and Jeff, to adulthood.

Fred later moved to Texas, where he met Janet Pogue and re-married in 1994. He and Jan were able to retire and live out their dream of “lake life” on Lake Granbury, where they entertained and were entertained by their lake family. Fred continued the dream after Jan’s passing in 2014.

Fred was an avid sportsman who loved to fish, hunt and ski, but golf was his forte. He continued playing golf into his late 80s and even played in a tough three-day tournament at 87, where he impressed and inspired all the young ones on the course.

He was an excellent dancer and cook and was known for his fish fries and Colorado Bulldog drinks. He was also a big prankster and loved to tell stories.

Those left to cherish his memory include daughter Cheryl Erickson and husband Tom; son Jeff Sanders and wife Staci; grandchildren Garrett Sanders and wife Taylor, Morgan Buckles and husband Matt, Danielle Erickson, and Parker Sanders and wife Josey; great-grandchildren Aubree, Hudson, Ellie and Emmie; stepchildren Kelly Ray and husband Greg, Mark Pogue, David Pogue and wife Lori, and Karla Harwell and husband Glenn; brother Sam Sanders; sister Kay Sanders; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Fred will also be sorely missed by his lake family: Dodie Reddell, Kathy Gavlak Arnold and Steve Hemphill, Kevin Gavlak, Chris and Gladys Gavlak, and many other friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Lorene; brother James; first wife Anita Kizer Sanders Berry; and second wife Janet Pogue Sanders.