Marvin Edgar Sanders

Marvin Edgar Sanders was born on October 14, 1921, in Mason, Texas, to Aaron M. and Lillie Sanders. He grew up in Mason and worked on ranches as a cowpuncher until his induction into the US Army in July of 1942. He served in the Army from 1942 to 1946. He served with the 9th infantry 1st division in Czechoslovakia, Germany, France, and Belgium during World War II.He returned to Mason after his discharge and worked as a water-well driller. He married Helen Wootan on June 7, 1947. They moved to Midland, Texas, October 31, 1954. Marvin worked as a carpenter to support his family which now included two sons, Marty Howard Sanders and Michael Glen Sanders. It is said about Marvin that he was a good man, a hard worker, a loving husband, and the best dad. He was completely unselfish and devoted to his wife and sons. He always put them first. There wasn't a day went by that Marvin didn't tell his wife and sons that he loved them. Retiring at about 70, he spent his days with his family taking trips to Mason and Llano. He and his sons spent many hours on Lake Buchanan fishing for stripers and catfish. He enjoyed the hunting trips as well. Any time Mike had a sports event, Marvin was always there cheering him on. Marvin had a great sense of humor and always had a joke or funny story to tell. He loved sitting on the front porch most mornings and evenings with his family talking and visiting.On October 3rd, 2008, Mike led Marvin in a sinner's prayer and Marvin asked Jesus into his heart, thus sealing Marvin's final destination. From that point on, as a born again believer, Marvin was not afraid of death, he was ready. Marvin prayed for his sons, wife, and daughter-in-law constantly. He loved Jesus with all of his heart.In 2012 Marvin was put on Hospice after receiving the news from his doctor that he had one or two months to live. His aortic valve was closing and he was too old and weak to receive open heart surgery. Instead he received a trans-catheter aortic valve replacement at Medical City in Dallas. He went back home in 5 days and at the age of 92 was soon mowing his lawn. He was a brand new man with a strong heart. His cardiologist proclaimed Marvin \a walking miracle\. Consequently he was discharged from Hospice. Many other patients have since been sent to Dallas for a similar procedure with miraculous results. Says Dr. PJ Patel of Marvin \he is a pioneer\ for others with this heart condition.A broken hip began the decline in Marvin's health. Yet through it all, he remained faithful to God and strong in his faith. He remained strong in faith grieving for his son Marty and even when his own heart was failing, said \If it's my time, I want the Good Lord to take me. I'm ready to go.\On June 7, 2017, Marvin and Helen Sanders celebrated 70 years of marriage. They still held hands and kissed when they could get the wheelchairs close together. They always greeted each other with a \good morning\ and \I love you\ – regardless of the time of day. At this point in their lives, each wake from a nap was a new day. And each \new day\ brought another chance to say \good morning\, \I love you\, \God bless you\ and \Thank you, Jesus\.Marvin is preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sisters, and his son Marty, who passed in August of 2016. He is survived by his wife, Helen Sanders, and his son and daughter-in-law Mike and Marlene Sanders all of Midland. His \grandsons\ Little Gili, Christian, and Michael Lopez were a great joy to him. Marvin is also survived by his brother Howard Sanders of Brady, Texas.The family would like to express their gratitude to the Lopez family, who were a real part of the Sanders family: Gili and Maribel Lopez, and their sons, Gili, Jr., Christian, and Michael. They would also like to thank Larry and Emily Marruffo and their son Lorenzo, for all they do–just like family. Many thanks also to Pastor Mark Bristow, Pastor Jerry Murphy, Pastor Craig DeArmond for their prayers and spiritual leadership and friendship. Many thanks to Arcelia Nunez (Sally) for her devoted service to Marvin and Helen as a caregiver, Josie Molina and Susie Valdez for stepping up when Marvin and Helen needed someone to watch and care. Thanks also to Comfort Keepers and Hospice of Midland.The family is also grateful for the doctors and nursing staff at Midland Memorial Hospital for their tender care and medical expertise. A special thanks the Dr. Jubal Reed, Dr. PJ Patel, and Dr. Staub.The family will be accepting friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Chapel. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Gili Lopez, Jr., Christian Lopez, Michael Lopez, Jim Elliott, Bruce Williams, and Ed Mendez.Arrangements are under the directions of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.,