Allen Ambrose Sanders

Born January 25, 1950, Allen Ambrose “Al” Sanders, beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away on December 4, 2024. He was known to his grandchildren as “Poppa,” and “Big Al” to friends and family. Al was a 1968 graduate of Robert E. Lee High School in Baton Rouge where he excelled in all sports. 

Al devoted his entire life to his wife, his two daughters and their families. From the early age of nineteen, Al worked hard to provide for his family, making the courageous decision to enlist in the U.S. Navy and served as a storekeeper aboard the U.S.S. Sarsfield during the Vietnam Conflict. Upon his honorable discharge, he completed his bachelor’s degree in marketing from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.

Al was a natural born salesman. In 1989, with the dedication of his wife Kathy, Al founded Baton Rouge Bolt, Inc., a successful industrial fastener company which still prospers under the ownership of his daughter Jodi Sanders Rollins along with the support and devotion of brother-in-law Sam Dixon. One of Al’s hobbies was motorcycles and he spent many years enjoying this hobby with his motorcycle friends, known as the Plug Foulers. 

To forever cherish his memory and the love they shared, Al leaves his loving wife, Kathy Dixon Sanders, two daughters, Jill Sanders Jonason and husband Norren, Jodi Sanders Rollins and husband Micah; six grandchildren, Jaime Jonason and fiancé Bryan Tablada, Jordan Jonason, Taylor Jowers, Samuel Jowers, Brendan Rollins, and Logan Rollins. Al also leaves behind a brother, Sandy Sanders and wife Lois, and a sister, Allene Barnhart and husband Mike; a host of extended family members including four brothers-in-law and four sisters-in-law, Frances Dixon, Carolyn Dixon Royder and husband Sam, Jimmy Dixon and wife Susie, Curt Dixon and wife Mary, Sam Dixon and numerous nieces and nephews. Al is also survived by his faithful grand-dog Woody.

Al was preceded in death by parents Austin and Verda Ambrose Sanders, parents-in-law Bill Dixon, Sr. and Fadra Weimer Dixon, who loved him as their own son, and brothers-in-law Kirk Comeaux, Bill Dixon, Jr. and Charlie Dixon. 

Visitation will be held at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11817 Jefferson Hwy, on December 14, 2024. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until funeral services at 11:00 a.m. with Christian burial to follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory followed by a reception at Resthaven immediately after. Pallbearers will be Sandy Sanders, Norren Jonason, Micah Rollins, Curt Dixon, Sam Dixon, Steve Audiffred, David Kolb, and Randy Adams. 

Our family would also like to give special thanks to Dr. Kevin Dean and Al’s wonderful nurse, Virginia Reid. Through their loving, devoted care they gave us the gift of keeping our Daddy here for as long as was possible and those days will remain precious to us all. 

There is no greater blessing than to have the love and support of a genuinely good husband and father and our Daddy exemplified what this means in every way. His love for our mom showed us what true love really means. Teaching us the value of hard work, he also showed us that parenting does not end when our children are grown, which he demonstrated by always being there for us. In the best moments and the hardest moments our dad was our knight in shining armor. He never failed us. His continued sacrifice for his grandchildren and planning for their futures is beyond measure and they will miss their Poppa so much. Daddy, our world will never be the same without you in it, but we will be ok because of all the sacrifices you made for us. Your example prepared us for this day. Thank you for loving us so very well. We say farewell and not goodbye as we know we will be reunited with our husband and father one day as is God’s promise. We love you with all our hearts and will live our lives without you with strength and courage knowing that you will continue to “look in” every now and then to make sure that we are ok. Thank you for the beautiful life that you provided for your family. There is no one who can ever take your place.