Kenneth Duane Sanders

Kenneth “Kenny” Duane Sanders, 77, of Caney passed away peacefully on Monday, December 16th with family by his side. Services will be Friday, December 27th at 10 a.m. at the Potts Chapel of Caney. 

Kenny was born July 7th, 1947, to Alva and Theresa “Ann” (Arbogast) Sanders in Cedar Vale, Ks. He was raised in the Sedan area, graduating from Sedan High. He joined the Army in 1966 and very proudly served his country in Viet Nam from Aug ’67 to Oct ‘68 in the First Air Calvary, receiving a purple heart among other decorations. Nine days after returning to the states, he married his “Little Bride”, Billie Lewis on October 24th, 1968. The couple made their home in Fort Benning, GA until he left the Army. They returned, making their home in Caney after a brief stay in Bartlesville, Ok. He worked for Phillips Petroleum Company for 35 years before taking early retirement in 2005.

Always one to serve, Kenny was on the Havana Fire Department in the early to mid ‘70’s, before it became a rural department. He also served as a Pack Chairman for Cub Scouts, Scout Master to the Boy Scout Troop 31, as well as den leader for many years. He also served on the board at the Caney Valley Apartments, volunteered many hours at the library, helped out with fundraisers for the Caney Fire Department, and was active in the OPC Church.

Some of Kenny’s hobbies included hunting, fishing, helping people, woodcarving, and hanging out with “the guys” at the Gunny Sack, later at Eggberts. However, his most favorite past time was spending time with his “Grand Angels”.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 56 years, Billie, of the home; daughter Chris (Mark) Bannon of Caney; Grandchildren Sarah Bannon, Noah (Maggie) Bannon, Arianna Gwinn, Jaycee Sanders, all of Caney, and Elijah Kelly of Bartlesville, Ok., as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Special friends he considered his “bonus” kids are Robert (Maggie) Carinder of Mustang, Ok, Scott (Deanna) Reeves of Caney, and Tina Kelly of Bartlesville, Ok.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Roy Sanders, son Joshua Sanders, and daughter in law Jessie Sanders.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to the Caney Fire Auxiliary N’ Support Society (FANSS) or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice.