Clyde C. "Hank" Sanders

1924 - 2010

Clyde C. "Hank" Sanders, age 86, passed away Wednesday evening, Sept. 29, 2010.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He will be sorely missed by all.
Hank was born in Griffin, Ark., on April 16, 1924. Along with his five brothers, they were raised by their single mother, Rose Sanders, during the Great Depression. It was during these difficult early years that Clyde learned to hunt and fish, initially just to survive.
Hank enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942 at the age of 18. At the end of World War II he separated and attended Southern Methodist University, where he received a bachelor's degree. He re-entered the U.S. Air Force in 1951 and pursued a lengthy and successful career as an officer and pilot. He retired from the Air Force after 27 years combined officer/enlisted service with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He faithfully served his country during World War II, Korea and Vietnam conflicts.
He met Elizabeth Ann Gilbert in 1955 while serving overseas in Europe. They fell in love and were married in 1957. They lived happily together for 53 years. They were not only husband and wife, but were also best friends.
Hank loved traveling, anything to do with the outdoors, and spending time with friends and family. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; his sons, Rick, Chip and Scott; daughter, Kerri; grandchildren, Jennifer, Dustin, Cody and Chelsea; and numerous loving extended family members.
Hank had no problem striking up a conversation with a total stranger. He had a quick wit and a great sense of humor. He lived a very full and adventure-filled life and had many stories he enjoyed sharing. He also had a truly abnormal obsession for fishing. These combined traits made him many close friendships. Hank leaves behind many friends and several "fishing buddies" who regularly braved the gulf waters with him in search of cobia, mackerel, and other deep sea adversaries.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6, at Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road N.E., Fort Walton Beach, Fla. Visitation will be Tuesday, Oct. 5, at the same location from 5 to 7 p.m.
As an option to flowers, donations may be made to the Florida Sheriff's Youth Ranches, Inc. at https://www.youthranches.org . Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com .