Kenneth Earl Sanders

Kenneth E. Sanders, age 89, of Overland Park, Kansas, formerly of Linn Valley, Kansas passed away Monday, June 12, 2017 at Gables Assisted Living, Overland Park, KS. Kenneth was born August 3, 1927, at Paola, Kansas. He was the older of two sons born to Earl Edward and Alice Margaret (Gordon) Sanders. He grew up in Paola, Kansas City, and Tonganoxie. He graduated from Tonganoxie High School with the Class of 1945. He enlisted in the Navy after high school graduation. He served during World War II and the Korean Conflict on the USS Ashtabula AO51. He remained active with his Ashtabula shipmates throughout the years. He was united in marriage to Ruth (Henderson) Lentz on May 10, 1957 at Raytown, Missouri, where they made their home and raised their seven children. They moved to Linn Valley after retiring and were very active in the Linn Valley community. Kenneth was a loving husband and father. Kenneth worked as a parts manager for various Ford Motor dealers from the 1950s until he retired in 1990s. Kenneth was an avid historical reader. He also enjoyed wood crafts, hunting, fishing, camping, traveling, and most of all the time spent with his family. He was a fan of the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs. He was a member of the Linn Valley Community Church and Independence, MO Lions Club. He was preceded in death by his wife and his parents. He is survived by his children Philip C. Lentz (Patricia) of Overland Park, Carolyn Joan Zeller (Rod) of Lexington, MO, Ronald H. Lentz (Sana) of Stover, MO, Donna R. Ramirez (David) of Lake Charles, Louisiana, Cynthia L. Towsley (Stan) of Stover, MO, Christine E. Howell (Kevin) of Austin, TX, and Alice D. Sanders of Overland Park, KS; one brother James Edward Sanders (Joan) of Lawrence, KS; 19 grandchildren; countless great and great-great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.