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.