Obituary of Paris Sanders, Jr.

Paris Sanders, Jr., 73, gained his angel wings on November 13, 2021 in Colorado Springs, Colorado following a battle with glioblastoma. Paris, affectionately known, throughout his upbringing, as "Junior", was born on March 15, 1948 to Paris Sanders, Sr. and Jimmie Leola (McDaniels) Sanders of Los Angeles, California, who proceeded him in death. The immediate family included two siblings, Paris and his younger sister, Velma Lee Sanders. Early family years were spent at Dodger games, a favorite of the family, or at Little League games with Paris, Sr. serving as coach for Junior's "Dodger" team. The family also enjoyed traveling by R.V. and camping which is where Junior developed his early love for the great outdoors.In 1968, Paris joined the United States Air Force. While in the Air Force, Paris met and married his first wife, Elsie, and their union produced a daughter, Beverly Sanders. In future years, Paris was blessed with two grandchildren, Paige Martin and Austin Martin. Later in life, Paris married his second wife, Olga. Although the marriage did not endure, Paris and Olga remained friends. In 1995, Paris met the love of his life and spouse of twenty-six years, Marie. Together, they traveled by R.V., played golf, enjoyed cooking, pickleball, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, motorcycling, and meeting new friends across several states. Paris also loved music; Motown favorites, R&B and jazz were the soundtracks of both short and long trips. Paris was also a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary for fifteen years rising to the rank of Coxswain and, subsequently, Vice-Captain/Division 3 (California) in 1994. He was a member of the American Legion Riders (California) for one and a half years and, subsequently, the Zebulon Cruisers (Colorado) from 2016 to the present. Additionally, he also held the office of President of his Homeowner's Association for three years in Colorado.Paris also loved to watch Sunday football. It was no secret that he was a true Raiders fan; anyone claiming to be a Broncos fan might have been put on the porch. Yet, as much as he loved adventures, he loved no activity more than challenging his grandkids and close friends to a game of Monopoly. Board games with "Grandpa" would often go late into the night.Paris worked as an accountant, in the military, and as a C.P.A. in the private sector. He earned a bachelor's degree, in accounting, from Long Beach State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. His career path, in the Finance industry, included management positions within banking and manufacturing companies. Baptized as a Baptist, Paris was saved at an early age. His faith journey culminated with him finding a church home at Academy Christian Church in Colorado Springs, where he has been a member since 2015 and served on the Security team.Paris is survived by his wife of twenty-six years, Janice Marie (Noll) Sanders; sister, Velma Lee Sanders; daughter, Beverly Sanders; granddaughter, Paige Martin; grandson, Austin Martin; nephew, Anthony Thornton; nephew, Quantrell Wiley and a host of relatives and friends who have been his extended "chosen" family.Visitation, 9:00AM, Monday, November 29, 2021, Academy Christian Church, 1635 Old Ranch Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80908.Funeral Service, 10:00AM, Monday, November 29, 2021, Academy Christian Church, 1635 Old Ranch Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80908.Graveside Service, 12:00PM, Monday, November 29, 2021, Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80925.In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution in Paris' memory may be made to, The American Brain Tumor Association (www.abta.org) Events Visitation Monday, November 29, 2021 9:00AM Academy Christian Church 1635 Old Ranch Road Colorado Springs, CO 80908 Phone: 719-328-1793 Funeral Service Monday, November 29, 2021 10:00AM Academy Christian Church 1635 Old Ranch Road Colorado Springs, CO 80908 Phone: 719-328-1793 Graveside Monday, November 29, 2021 12:00PM Pikes Peak National Cemetery 10545 Drennan Road Colorado Springs, CO 80925 Phone: 202-632-8035 Final Resting Place Pikes Peak National Cemetery 10545 Drennan Road Colorado Springs, CO 80925