Raymond E. Sanders

Raymond E. Sanders,79, former businessman and government official died Sunday, May 10, 2009 following complications from heart surgery and a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born in Lebanon, Indiana, the son of Francis and Julia Sanders, and graduated from Perry Central High School. Ray had a true entrepreneurial spirit and was involved in the ownership of several small businesses, among them Sanders Brothers Auto Supply with several locations in Indianapolis. He was also actively involved in local politics and was elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in 1968 and in 1972 was appointed Commissioner of Administration for the State of Indiana by then Gov. Otis R. Bowen, a position he held for eight years under Bowen. He was honored with both the Sagamore of the Wabash and Kentucky Colonel designations. Upon leaving government service, Ray returned to the private sector and was involved in several business enterprises, including ownership of the 75th Street Bar & Grill, until his retirement in 1999. A lifelong Republican active in the party, Ray was a graduate of Butler University, a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity and Geist Christian Church and was past president of the Vineyards Homeowners Association. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Susie, his parents and brothers Marion and Hubert. Ray is survived by his wife, Janet Teal Sanders and four sons, Thomas (Orlando, FL), David (Indianapolis), Scott (wife, Veronica) (Indianapolis) and Neal (Miami, FL), brother, Robert (Beech Grove), sister, Dorothy Chambers (Lebanon, IN), a granddaughter Shelby Rae, great granddaughter Kaylin and several nieces and nephews. An extremely affable man, Ray loved good food, chocolate and singing karaoke in his 75th Street establishment. An avid golfer, he once scored a hole-in-one. In addition to family, Ray leaves a host of friends and acquaintances. Calling from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the church, 8550 Mud Creek Road, Indianapolis, with a service of life beginning at 2:00 p.m., the Rev. Rand Spleth officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, 435 Limestone Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202. Arrangements have been entrusted to Shirley Brothers Fishers-Castleton Chapel.

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Raymond E. Sanders

February 16, 1930 - May 10, 2009