Father Jack Eugene Sanders of Miami, OK passed away Thursday, January 2, 2014 at his home. He was 90.

Father Jack was born April 11, 1923 in Cardin, OK to Franklin Jefferson and Pearl Grace (Baker) Sanders. He graduated from Picher High School and in 1944 met and married Pauline Gary after graduating from Phillips University, Enid, OK. In 1949 he graduated and was granted his Masters and Doctorate degrees at Phillips. He became pastor of Fairview Christian Church in Wichita, Kansas. In 1950 he became Provost of Christian Theology Seminary of Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. In 1964 he transferred to the Episcopal Church and entered the General Theological Seminary in Post-doctoral studies. In 1965 he became Priest Assistant and then Rector at St. James’ Episcopal Church in Greenfield, Massachusetts. The Head Start children’s program for the area began at St. James’ and also the founding of the Greenfield Community College, with classrooms. Jack served as chairman of the Social Services of the Greenfield Hospital Board. He served on the Hospital Chapel Memorial Board. He served on the state board for the SPCC (Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children).

He had lived in Miami since 1986. After retirement Jack has served as Chairman of Miami Housing Authority since 1993 and Director of Retired Woodworkers Program at NEO in 1992. The program ceased when the woodshop burned in 1997. Many projects were built for Miami, NEO and children’s projects for the Head Start program and the Public Schools. In 1996 Father Noel Doherty asked that Jack assist him at All Saint’s Episcopal Church. When Father Noel moved to Tulsa Jack continued to serve at All Saints’ for 15 months until 2002.

Honors to Jack, served as President of the student body at Picher High School and at Phillips University. Was chosen as Chaplain and keynote speaker for Civitan Internation Convention, Chaplain of the Oklahoma Legislature, Chaplain and District Chief of the Greenfield Fire Department. His avocation was a Real Estate Broker Licensed in the state of Massachusetts. He has written two books. He is a member of the All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Miami, OK.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers Paul Sanders and Roy Sanders, 2 Sisters Juanita Bailey and Genevive Parksison.

Survivors include his wife Pauline of the home, 3 daughters, Judith Shlosser and Lois Lively of Miami, OK and Paula Chandler of Houston, TX. 1 Sister, Namoi Mahan of Broken Arrow, OK, 7 grandchildren, Jeff Shlosser, Martin Lively, Alex Lively, Leah Afalobi, Biana King , Joslyn Jackson and Elizabeth Lively and 1 great grandchild, Madison Giles.

A Celebration of Life Service will be Wednesday, January 8, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Miami, OK. Fr. Noel Doherty will officiate. Interment will be in Garden of the Good Shepherd at All Saints’ Church. Services are under the direction of the Paul Thomas Funeral Home of Miami, OK.