David Alan Sanders

David Alan Sanders, 85, departed this world on October 26, 2024, in his home surrounded by family.  Dave referred to his transition as boarding his magic carpet ride to Heaven. Dave was born to Keith and Neva Sanders in Ithaca, MI on 8/12/1939. He was raised in Lansing and graduated from Lansing Eastern High School in 1957. Dave married Dixie Butler in 1958, They shared 51 loving years together prior to Dixie’s passing in 2009.  Together they raised their beloved children, Brenda Perry (Chuck), Brian Sanders (Diane), and Cheryl Girvan (Dave). 

A special joy was his six grandchildren Jaime Perry, Chaz Perry (Liz), Matthew Sanders (Sally), Mitchell Sanders (Samantha), Kyle Girvan (Kaitlynn) and Mark Girvan. Dave was also blessed with three great-grandchildren, Cameron, Zoe, and Georgia Sanders. 

Dave is also survived by three sisters Carolyn Sanders, Marybeth (Tom) Raymond and Melinda (Dan) Carley, great aunt Lois Barden, as well as many nieces, nephews, and long-time friends. 

Dave was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years Dixie Butler Sanders, parents Keith and Neva Sanders, brother Larry Sanders, brother Jim Sanders, sister Sue Milleson, and son-in-law Chuck Perry.  

Dave worked at JC Penney and R.E. Olds before joining General Motors Oldsmobile Division where he enjoyed a 32-year career. Dave enjoyed his summer home on Budd Lake in Harrison, MI. He served on the City of Harrison Planning Commission as well as his self-anointed role of Budd Lake “Harbor Master”. Dave was an avid car show enthusiast and took immense pride in his three classic Oldsmobile’s: 1967 Cutlass Convertible, 1972 Cutlass, and a 1972 Delta 88 convertible.  He often attended car shows in Clare, Farwell, Coleman, Evart and Lake George MI as well as the Old 27 Car Cruise over the course of many years.  His collection of over 100 trophies was a source of pride he loved to display along with his collection of neon signs that he helped design and build with Deke Ulch and Howard Clark.  Dave equally loved snowmobiling and was a member of the Harrison Snow Riders for over 20 years along with good friends Jack McNutt, Kay and Jerry Mcbrien and Geri Hills. He enjoyed riding thousands of miles of trails throughout Michigan with family, friends, and fellow club members. In his later years, Dave enjoyed his winter home and lifestyle in Summerfield, FL. He was active in his community of Spruce Creek and enjoyed taking his collies, Buddy, and Spencer, to the dog park daily, as well as, participating in trivia, themed parties, and social events. Dave was a friend to all and a highly admired man for his zest for life and love of family.  

He lived with Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) for 25 years without complaint.  IBM is an irreversible, slow-progressing auto-immune disease that causes severe atrophy of the muscular system. To date, there is no medication or treatment to prevent or treat this disease.  You can learn more about IBM at myositis.org.  In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to The Myositis Foundation in honor of Dave.

A Memorial and Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 14th from noon until 4:00 p.m. at the Ithaca Senior Activity Building located at 1011 E. North St. Ithaca, MI. 

The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Comments

[Paul Halfmann]

Just found out about Dave’s passing on Facebook, very very sorry to hear that. I worked with Dave at Oldsmobile and General Motors for many years. He was just a wonderful person and my condolences to the family.

[Lynda Pettit Collins]

I am an Eastern Classmate of Dave’s and he always was happy to see us and had a beautiful smile. He loved his family and i never heard him complain about anything. I am sure he is with the Angels and Dixie.

[Steve Fergadiotis]

When I found out about David passing away on Brenda Facebook page. All I could say was No not him. Please No not David .
I met David in Florida at the dog park behind his house. David loved his dogs and would drive him golf cart daily was a smile on his face .
He loved his family and would drive his Golf cart along side his daughter Brenda. To me it was obvious the father and daughter loved each other and their Dogs. Both David and Brenda great people who hated no one. To me this is devastating news that such a great man has left. I can only imagine the pain the family feels. When great people leave the pain for us left behind is great. So sorry for family.

[William B. Bengel]

As a co-worker with Dave for many years, I was impressed with his ability to maintain the highest level of composure, under any and all circumstances. He was an excellent supervisor for all employees and an outstanding person of character. We all will miss him.

[Mary. Rose Levesque]

Dave,
Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while and leave footprints on our heart, and we are never, ever the same.

[Lance Lynch]

Dave was a good friend as we were growing up as teenagers. He had great parents and siblings. Although I have had no contact with him in many years, I certainly remember the good time we shared with others.