William E. "Bill" Sanders, Sr.

William E. “Bill” Sanders, Sr., 84, of Indianapolis passed away at his home Monday evening, October 14, 2019. Bill was born in Indianapolis on July 21, 1935 to the late William Henry and Cecilia (Rauser) Sanders. On April 23, 1960 Bill was united in marriage to the late, Vincentia (Noone) Sanders who passed away on January 13, 1979.

Upon graduating high school, Bill honorably served his country in the United States Army. A dedicated laborer, Bill worked as a union bricklayer for 50 years. He was employed by Thomas Williamson Construction for many of those 50 years. Upon his retirement, Bill worked as the Head of Facilities at St. Jude Catholic Church for 20 years. Bill was extremely devoted to his faith and church community at St. Jude. Bill was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Monsignor Downey Council #3660.

Bill was known to be highly personable and intelligent. He was an amazing father to his children, supporting them in everything from Boy Scouts to sporting events. Bill was a very loyal Indianapolis Colts football fan; he has held season tickets since the team moved to the Circle City in 1984. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.

Along with his wife and parents, Bill is preceded in death by two children, John Michael and Virginia Sanders.

Survivors include his children, Mary Catherine, William E.,Jr. (Rose), Christopher Joseph Sanders, and Veronica Marie (Ryan) Thatcher; siblings, Thomas (Judy) Sanders, Maryann Mayer, Martha Rucker, and Rosemary Diekhoff; grandchildren, Zachary Young, Torey, Abby and Cecelia Dunn, Vincentia, Charlotte, and Quinn Thatcher; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Bill’s life on Friday, October 18, 2019 from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. in St. Jude Catholic Church, 5353 McFarland Road, Indianapolis. Additional calling hours will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2019 from 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. with the Mass of Christian Burial immediately following at St. Jude Catholic Church, 5353 McFarland Road, Indianapolis. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Indianapolis. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Catholic Church; envelopes will be provided at the church. Please visit www.ORileyFuneralHome.com to leave an online condolence for the Sanders family.