ROBERT LESLIE SANDERS
September 13, 1938 to September 19, 2026
The Village, Oklahoma

Robert passed away just 5 days after his 88th birthday. He was born in Maxwell, Oklahoma to Johnnie and Jessie Sanders. The fourth of eight children, Robert grew up surrounded by family. He graduated from Vanoss High School in 1957, where he was active in FFA, basketball and baseball. On April 23, 1960, Robert married Lyndia Ann Tucker. Together they built a life in Oklahoma City centered on family, faith and service. They celebrated their 66th anniversary this year.

Robert was a member of Village Baptist Church where he was involved in the youth program. He taught Sunday School, took groups to Falls Creek, sponsored ski trips and coached recreational basketball. He was involved with his sons’ activities and made a point of investing not only in their lives but in the lives of their friends. He coached their teams and enjoyed attending their games. When his grandchildren began their activities, Grandpa was there attending ball games and piano recitals.

Robert held a variety of sales and management positions throughout his career. Notably he worked with RCA Records, Omni Tech oil services and trucking company and was a field foreman for American Exploration which was his favorite job.

His final career was the one that suited him most. He served as an Oklahoma City Ambassador. It was a natural fit for a man who loved people and loved Oklahoma City. He had an incredible knowledge of our state’s history and took great pride in representing the city he loved. Robert helped with security, traffic and visitors during many of OKC’s largest events. Over the years countless people encountered his big smile on their way to Thunder games, marathons, parades, festivals and other events. He could always find his kids, grandkids and friends in the crowds.

Service and leadership were important to Robert. He was a proud member of the Oklahoma Jaycees and held numerous offices, eventually becoming State President. When he first joined, he was nervous to introduce himself to a group and years later was comfortable speaking to thousands. He became an expert in Robert’s Rules of Order and was exceptionally skilled at presiding over large meetings with efficiency, order and fairness.

Robert was generous and loved sharing with others. He had so much to give. We remember his quick wit, his warm hugs, his wisdom, and his faithful presence. His enormous annual Christmas light display, like Robert himself, was a little larger than life and brought joy to all. We enjoyed our loud games of dominoes, and the special gravy he made for us every Christmas morning. He proudly took every visitor to tour his vast vegetable garden and was eager to share the produce. After family meals, he would take the grandkids to the neighborhood park, walking his constant companion, Buddy. Golf was a lifelong pastime. We know he is playing in heaven with his best friend and golfing buddy Dick.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, and three siblings. He is survived by his wife, Lyndia, his sons, Gary and Steve and their wives Lisa and Katherine. He has five grandchildren Rustin, Rebekah, Caroline, Sarah, and Elizabeth. He has seven great grandchildren, Zayd, Seraya, Lillen, twins Jett and Jasper, Benjamin and one unborn child. He is also survived by 3 sisters, Joyce, Ruthie and Wilma, and one brother Ed along with many nieces and nephews.

Robert loved his family well and his legacy of humor, generosity and commitment will be deeply missed by the family, friends and community he so faithfully showed up for. We are glad he is home now and we look forward to being with him again.

In lieu of flowers, Lyndia has requested that donations be made to K Club at www.kclubkindness.org/donate or by mailing a check to K Club, P.O. Box 3166, Edmond, OK 73083

A memorial service will be held at Demuth Funeral Home on Friday, October 9, 2026 at 2:00 P.M.