January 15, 1934 – September 14, 2025

John William Sander II, 91, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy defined by his love for family and service to his country. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, John lived a life marked by strength, generosity, and dedication.

A proud Marine, John honorably served his country during the Korean War in the 1950s. After the war, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth Rose Sander, in 1955, with whom he shared 49 years of love and built a strong family foundation. In the 1980s, he relocated to Friendswood, Texas for work and later retired as Vice President of Operation Support from Lockheed Martin Space Systems and Services.

John is survived by his sister, Mary Lou McCamley, and his brother, Edward Sander. He leaves behind his five beloved children: John Sander III (Melenie), Michael Sander (Susan), Patricia Kaufman (John), Joseph Sander (Tricia), and Thomas Sander (Tracie), as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought him endless joy. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Emma Sander; his sister, Theresa Frank; his first wife, Elizabeth Rose Sander, and his second wife, Patricia Sander.

Family was always John’s greatest treasure. His Rockport, Texas home on Star Fish Lane was his oasis, a place where family and friends gathered and countless memories were made. He cherished fishing trips, tinkering with his tools and boat, tending to his roses, exploring the stock market, and discovering new restaurants to share with loved ones. He loved dark chocolate, Diet Cokes, and soft-shelled crabs, and he stayed active and in good health well into his later years. John had a great love for sports, especially Eagles football and soccer weekends. He was known for his exemplary character and for bringing chocolate chip cookies to share.

John lived by simple words of advice: “Always have a job,” and “Yes dear, sounds great.” Above all, he was his family’s biggest supporter and most loyal fan, leaving behind the cherished legacy of “Pop,” “PopPop,” and “GrandPopPop” for generations to remember.

John’s love for his family, sports, and service to his country will never be forgotten. His family finds comfort in knowing he is now reunited with his loved ones, watching over them with the same pride and devotion he carried throughout his life.

Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 10:30 A.M. at Mary Queen Catholic Church, 606 Cedarwood, Friendswood, Texas with the burial to follow at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Dickinson, Texas. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his name to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at https://t2t.org/