Dennis R. Sanders

Dennis R. Sanders was born in Bridgeport, Ill. He went to Bitburg American High School in West Germany graduation in 1970. Joining the Air Force in 1971 as a medical tech Dennis went on to become a cardiopulmonary technician. In the late 1970’s he left the regular Air Force and joined the USAF Reserves while he attended the University of California Riverside (UCR) and Loma Linda University. He was awarded a BA, with high honors, in History and Sociology from UCR. At Loma Linda University, Dennis was awarded a Masters of Public Health Administration as well as the Wilton L. Haverson Award for academic excellence. Once Dennis completed his education he went back into the Air Force as a Medical Service Corp officer. He completed a Masters of Logistic Management at the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright Patterson AFB in Ohio. After 25 years in the service, having served in Texas, Turkey, New Mexico, Ohio, New York, Colorado, Florida, and Mississippi, Dennis retired as a Major and started his second career as a social studies teacher. This was his true passion and he really enjoyed the years at St. Martin Junior High and Ocean Springs High School. He spoke often of the great students and how much fun he was having. He retired from teaching 8 years ago and spent the time fishing, collecting cars and traveling. His hobbies included German cars, photography and swimming. Dennis is predeceased by his parents, Merrill Ray Sanders and Barbara Sanders (nee-Tiefenthaler). He is survived by, his wife of 42 years, Angela E. Sanders; his sister Virginia Thompson; his aunt Sandra Lee Sanders and his cousins Steve Sanders, Karol Smith and Jeff Sanders as well as their spouses, children and grandchildren. Dennis did not have children but he considered all the students he taught as his and he held them in his heart. The service will be held at the VA National Cemetery in Biloxi on May 19, 2021 at 11am with the interment to follow. Dennis asked that in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made to Mississippi Public Radio at 3825 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS 39211 or call 601-432-6565 or the charity of your choice. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Ocean Springs, is in charge of arrangements.