Mark Jennings Sanders' Obituary
Mark Jennings Sanders was born on December 30, 1959 in Dallas, Texas, and passed away on March 27, 2023 at his home in Richardson, Texas after a short illness. He was 63 years old.
His father (Billy) worked for Arthur Andersen in Dallas, Atlanta, Denver, and Chicago which allowed for Mark to have a diversity of experiences while growing up. Mark was an athlete and set the record for running the mile at Glenbard South High School in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. He was an Eagle Scout and used the knowledge that he gained during that process to benefit him in so many ways throughout his life. He was a graduate of the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign campus. Mark cherished his time at the Koinonia House where he made many lifelong friends.
After college, Mark moved to Dallas to be closer to his grandparents (maternal, David and Lois Dow), and to start his first job with Arthur Andersen. At that time he joined Northwest Bible Church and Richardson YoungLife and was a YL leader at Berkner High School. Mark enjoyed frequent trips to Tishomingo, Oklahoma to spend time with his paternal grandparents (Leora & Vernon) on the family farm.
Mark was very proud of the business he built, along with the help of his employees, friends, and family; Economy Signs & Banners, which he started in 1987. Mark met, then married Nancy Frazier in 1988 and had one son, Billy, in 1991. Mark enjoyed providing for his family and worked hard to build his business that began in his garage. Mark also often donated signs to various charitable organizations, including First Baptist Church of Richardson at which the family actively participated.
Mark cherished his extensive and diverse group of friends. He thoroughly enjoyed traveling, golf, and quality time with those he cared about. Mark counted his experiences, friends, family, and most importantly, his relationship with Christ, as his life’s greatest blessings.
Mark is survived by his son, Billy Sanders and wife Katie, his brother David Sanders, and his sister Amy Salazar and husband Leo and their children Luke and Sara. He is also survived by cousins George Sanders of Sao Paolo, Brazil, Pam Dotson of Alabama, and Scott Morgan of Mississippi. Mark is preceded in death by his parents, Sara Jo Sanders and Billy J. Sanders.
Services will be Saturday, April 1st at Restland Memorial Chapel. There will be a viewing and visitation at 1 pm in the Chapel followed by the funeral service at 2 pm.. A graveside service will immediately follow at Restland Cemetery. Mark will be laid to rest next to his parents.
His close friends describe Mark as truly unique and one-of-a-kind. He was a dedicated son, husband, father, and a loyal, devoted friend to many. He truly will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Richardson Area YoungLife.
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