Joe Maxie Sanders

Joe Maxie Sanders, 92, of Searcy, died Monday, June 16. He was born January 1, 1922 in Pettus, Lonoke County, Arkansas to David Clark and Hettie Treece Sanders. He is predeceased by his parents, three brothers and three sisters. Joe is survived by his wife of 63 years, Imogene Waller Sanders and numerous nieces and nephews. Joe served in Civilian Conservation Corp in Arkansas and Utah. After discharge and with $13, he went to California where he was an aircraft welder for government contracts including the Manhattan Project. After Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the U. S. Navy, serving in the South Pacific, making invasions on several island missions. At age 22, he was promoted to Chief Petty Officer. Joe also served in the Korean War. After discharge, Joe was employed by Reynolds Metal Co., at Bauxite, Arkansas. He also worked at Little Rock Air Force Base in Jacksonville where he received an outstanding performance award. In 1957, he transferred to Red River Army Arsenal and was employed for 12 years. He was promoted to Ballistic Welder Leader. He designed, built and received a patent for a dispenser of the safe handling of oxygen, argon and helium tanks. Joe was a faithful member of the 6th Izard Church of Christ, Little Rock, for 50 years. Later, moving to Searcy, he attended the Westside Church of Christ. Joe had a beautiful bass voice and loved to sing. Joe was thankful for the special care he received at White County Medical Center and Searcy Healthcare and Rehab. Funeral services will be Friday at 2 p.m. at the Powell Funeral Home Chapel of Searcy. Visitation will be from 12 noon until service time. Arrangements are by Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net.