Lyman Alan “Al” Sanders born January 15, 1933 to Lyman and Inez Sanders in Grinell, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home with his family at his side on June 19.

At 3 months old, Al came to California with his parents and older siblings. Al worked in his grandparents’ peach orchards, where MJC East is presently. He graduated from Turlock High School, class of ’51. In the fall of 1951, He joined the Air Force serving in the Korean War and meeting many lifelong friends. On leave, he attended the Stanislaus County Fair, where he and his future bride, Marlene Anderson, reunited. They were married in May 1954 and made 61 years of memories.

Al was a lifelong farmer, board member for Keyes School, little league coach for Mt-View-Chatom, volunteer for the Replacement Heifer Committee - Stanislaus County Fair, member of the state dairy organization , long time supporter of California Women for Agriculture and American Agri-Women, a philosopher, advice-giver, friend of many, enemy of none, wonderful husband, father , brother, son , friend, and  Papa!

Al is survived by his loving wife Marlene, children Melanie (Eric) Smith, Scott (Sharalee) Sanders, Shawn (Debbie) Sanders, Nanette (Scott) Burch, and Cathy Sanders, grandchildren Natalie, Rebecca, Nicole, Hannah, Noah, Joshua, Leah, Adah, and Ryan, siblings Jim (Marian) Sanders, Cathryn (Don) Rogers, Clifford (Arlene) Sanders, and Jerry (Carolyn) Sanders, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Dad is already greatly missed, but we will see him again.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 27 with military honors held at 12:30 p.m. at Turlock Memorial Park, 575 N. Soderquist Rd., in Turlock, and a memorial at 2:00 in the Turlock Funeral Home Chapel. A reception will follow at the Mitchell Community Church, 1507 Mitchell Rd., also in Turlock.

Remembrances may be sent to Westside Ministries, 950 Columbia St., Turlock, CA 95380.