Robert D. Sanders

Robert D. Sanders, 84, of Indianapolis died Thursday, May 19, 2016, in St. Francis Hospital following a sudden illness. He was born in Indianapolis on December 8, 1931, the son of Lawrence C. and Celestine J. Craney Sanders. Robert graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in 1950, as an adult attended Herron School of Art and Design, and was a long time member of St. Barnabas Catholic Church. Robert worked alongside his father and then later jointly owned Sanders Cleaners with his siblings before retiring in 1991. He was the past president of the Southside Exchange Club and a member of the Knights of Columbus Monsignor Downey Council #3660. Robert was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Thomas in 2000; and son, Joseph in 1958. His survivors include his wife, Joyce A. (Kunkel) Sanders, whom he married May 12, 1956; six children, Robert D. (Molly) Sanders, Julie (Mike) Thomas, John Sanders, Joann (Wade) Yensel, all of Indianapolis, Stephen (Ellen) Sanders of Carmel, Mary (Mike) Rebrukh of Trabuco Canyon, California; eight grandchildren; and sister, Janet Siakotos of Indianapolis. Visitation will be held Monday, May 23, 2016 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. in Daniel F. O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 S. East Street (US Hwy 31 South), Indianapolis, IN 46227. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at 11 a.m. in St. Barnabas Catholic Church, 8300 Rahke Road, Indianapolis, IN 46217 with prayers at the funeral home on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Robert will be interred in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Barnabas Church. Online condolences may be shared with the family at orileyfuneralhome.com.