George W. ‘Bill’ Sanders

George W. ( Bill) Sanders Jr., 81, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 13 at his home in Cloverdale.

Bill was born in Indianapolis in 1939 to the late George W. Sanders and Rena (Mason) Sanders.

He is survived by Cindi, his wife of 53 years, and sons Bill III ( Frankie), Perry (Ronda), Phillip (Misha) and Bobby (Melissa); 15 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren ... two more on the way.

Bill served in the Marine Corps and at an early age discovered his passion for aviation.

He worked for TWA in Indianapolis for 25 years, retiring as supervisor of airport operations. Following that, he served as manager of the Greencastle Airport and then owned and operated Putnam County Flying Service at Pam’s Place Airport in Cloverdale. He was a pilot with more than 10,000 hours flying time who held commercial, multi-engine and IFR ratings. He was a flight instructor and A and P mechanic with inspection authorization. He also flew gyro-copters and helicopters.

Bill enjoyed spending summers in Indiana with his family, his 1948 Jeepster and traveling in the RV, and winters in Florida where he and Cindi were active with the Peace River Boating Club.

He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

A celebration of life is planned for a future date.