Bernard "Bud" F. Sanders, age 81, Fort Loramie, passed away of natural causes early Wednesday morning, November 8, 2017, at Heritage Manor Nursing Center in Minster, Ohio.

He was born July 1, 1936, at the Galley Rd. home-place in Fort Loramie, Ohio, to the late Lawrence and Bernadette (Enneking) Sanders. On October 20, 1962, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Fort Loramie, Bud married Elfrieda R. (Bertke) Sanders who survives.

Also surviving are six children: Kevin Sanders of Fort Loramie, Kathleen & Karl Ehemann of Anna, Nick & Dawn (dec.) Sanders of Lima, Annette & Rick Bollheimer of Fort Loramie, Jill Albers & special friend, Frank Melesky of Montezuma and Dianne & Craig Oldiges of Minster; 16 grandchildren: Kristine (Eric) Brackman, Kelli and Robert Ehemann, Melanie, Daniel (Charlee), Shawn (Stacy), Anthony (Alison), Gregory (Coral) and Mariah Sanders, Janelle, Caitlin and Austin Bollheimer, Kaleb Albers, Dawson, Kyra and Brynn Oldiges along with 15 great-grandchildren; three siblings: Clem & Mary Alice Sanders of Fort Loramie, Marilyn Huwer of North Star, Doris & Ed Gigandet of Fort Loramie and brothers & sisters-in-law: Dennis Bruns of Cranberry Prairie, Jerome "Jerry" & Jane Bertke of St. Marys, Donald & Rosemary Bertke of McCartyville, Elaine & Jim Moorman of Chickasaw, Irene & John Huntzinger of Piqua, Roger & Sue Bertke of Fort Loramie, Lavern Bertke & Lisa Back of St. Marys and Dale & Lois Bertke of Anna.

He was preceded in death by two siblings, Betty Jo Bruns and Lawrence J. Sanders and a brother-in-law, Victor Huwer.

Mr. Sanders was a 1954 graduate of Fort Loramie High School. He then served in the US Air Force during peacetime following the Korean War. Bud retired from the Minster Machine Co. in 1999 where he was employed 40 years and had been the electrical department supervisor. Bud was also engaged in farming all of his working life.

He was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church where over the years he had been an Apostleship of Prayer Supporter, Eucharistic Distributor, and served on various parish boards. He was also a member of the Fort Loramie American Legion, St. Michael Knights of St. John and Minster Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Bud was a committed blood donor (125 Units). He also enjoyed visiting with family and friends, playing cards, traveling, and attending grandchildren's events.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM, Monday, November 13, 2017, at St. Michael Church in Fort Loramie with Rev. Steven Shoup presiding. Interment will follow at St. Michael Cemetery with military honors provided by the American Legion.

Friends may call Sunday 2:00 to 7:00 PM and Monday 9:00 to 10:00 AM at Gehret Funeral Home in Fort Loramie.

Memorials may be made to the Fort Loramie Rescue Squad or St. Michael Church Building Fund.

Private condolences may be expressed at www.gehretfuneralhome.com.