Paul Edward Sanders passed away on December 12, 2018, of natural causes, in Helena, MT.
Paul was born on August 24, 1946 to Earnest and Ola Belle Sanders in Memphis, Tennessee.
Paul is survived by his best friend and love of his life for 54 years, his wife, Paula; three of his four children, Roy (Christina) Sanders, Belle (Harley) Dailey, Tammie (Wayne) Triplett; his baby girl granddaughter, Brittney (Tony); four grandsons and two great granddaughters.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Earnest and Ola Belle, two brothers, Buddy and Robert; three sisters, Ruby, Polly and Lilly; his youngest son, Paul Wayne; and two grandsons, Blake Sanders (Paul Wayne’s son) and Kelsey Triplett (Tammie Triplett’s son).
Paul was known by many names depending on when you entered his life. Growing up he was known as Paul Ed by his friends and family. As he grew and the wind blew him up form state to state for work as the chief maintenance engineer for Holiday Inn, he was Paul. Later in life when the winds finally blew him to Lincoln, MT he was simply known as the Colonel. Not sure if that was because he always had on a Vietnam Vets cap (which he wore with pride, respect and honor) or just simply because he still had a southern accent after all these years and his last name was Sanders. He joked that he was the younger brother and never saw a penny of that chicken money. To most he was “Friend.”
Our family knew him simply as “Daddy.” The devotion and love he had for his wife and kids was immeasurable. There was nothing he wouldn’t do to take care of and provide for us. He was larger than life for us. He only wanted the best for those he loved and would do anything to see that they got that.
Paul had compassion and love for his fellow man, he was always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. Paul’s number one priority was always his wife and kids. As he aged he wanted to give something back to his veteran family and would go out and buy food, clothing and whatever was needed to help his brothers who struggled with making ends meet. He was proud of his military service up until his last breath.
Those who knew him knew he felt any job worth doing was worth doing right. His life started as a farmer’s son and his willingness to do his best made him the recipient of many nationwide awards for Holiday Inn for five years straight. His stressful and demanding work history forced him into early retirement but that was simply when life got good. He and Paula were now free to live a life time of adventures and travel wherever their hearts took them. Most of the time it was next to a body of water for peace and quiet or walking and dreaming of their perfect life together. In 1991 his little shadow, Brittney, was born and he discovered what it was like to be a granddad, or Papa, as she called him. Years of being stern and in charge melted away, she stole his heart and they were inseperable. The two shared a bond that lasted 27 years and will remain for a life time. The grand babies and great grandbabies brought him so much joy and happiness every day of his life; he loved his little giggly girls.
Paul was like a ripple on a calm lake. One small gesture and a chance meeting with him made an impact on your life. And those small ripples reached a lot of people. He was just a country boy raised in the river bottoms of Tennessee, but he will be missed from coast to coast because of his big heart, his sense of humor and his love of family and friends; he never knew a stranger – he spoke to everyone. You were simply a friend whose name he didn’t know yet.
Daddy, we love you and will miss you. Until we meet again….
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 21st in the committal shelter at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. A reception will follow the service at the Fort Harrison Service Club at Fort Harrison. Memorials in honor of Paul are suggested to Montana Veterans Foundation, 1112 Leslie Ave., Helena, MT 59601. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Paul.
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
1:00 p.m.
Friday December 21, 2018
Montana State Veterans Cemtery
Fort Harrison, Montana
Reception
Following the burial service
Friday December 21, 2018
Fort Harrison Service Club
Fort Harrison, Montana
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Tanna Clark says
This man was such an amazing person! I am truly blessed to have gotten to be his friend. We grew up in a small town and AS kids we had our parents and everyone’s parents as our own also. We all grew up as family and I consider you all family. I love you and your kindness and sense of humor. Love and hugs to the whole family Roy, Belle, momma Paula and Tammie.
Carol hodges says
Tammie and family so sorry for your loss. Words can never keep the hurt away but just knowing people care means alot. I didn’t know y’alls dad but i know Tammie very well. I love her dearly and i really hate this for her and the family. Its so hard to lose a loved one at the holidays. Its hard anytime. Tammie and Wayne i love you and prayers are being sent your way. Wish we could be there for you.
Zach Muse says
One helluva guy and a great friend. . Always there for people. Rest easy Paul.
Dean & Karen Flanagan says
We knew Paul from our visits at Wal-Mart. He just started chatting with us one day, and we made quick friends with him. His great sense of humor and good conversation was something we looked forward to daily. We miss him, as do you. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, and if you need anything, call us.
Dolly Bickel says
So sorry for your loss. I liked Paul very much and will miss him. Prayers to all his family.
Kevin and Donna Forkan says
So Sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man and described him so well. Peace and comfort to all of you ~ God’s Blessings~
Marschal Rothe says
Paula-on behalf of the the Montana Veterans Foundation I wanted to express our sorrow for the Colonel’s passing. We cannot say ‘thank you’ enough for the stream of donations that you and the Colonel dropped gave our clients and the support both of you gave us is so much appreciated! Please remember to give us a call if you need help with anything.
Marschal Rothe
Case Manager
Montana Veterans Foundation