Richard L. Sanders

Richard Louis Sanders passed away February 18th, 2024 at his home in Holland, OH. Rick was born on June 21st, 1951 in Elmira, New York to Paul and Nancy Sanders. Rick spent his early childhood in Elmira, where his father worked for International Harvester and his mother was a registered nurse.

Following his father’s transfer to Cleveland, he resided in Fairview Park, OH where he graduated from Fairview Park High School. Rick was a great athlete and he loved basketball, excelling on the court. During his senior year, he was named First Team All-Conference, an accolade of which he was very proud.

Rick continued his education at Bowling Green State University where he became a member of Theta Chi Fraternity, eventually becoming president. While at Bowling Green, he met and later married wife Debra (Debi) Keating on April 27th, 1974. Their marriage included the arrival of three children, Taylor, Zach and Max.

Upon graduation from Bowling Green State University, he and Debi moved to Tampa, Florida where he took a position with Penn Mutual Insurance Co. After a two-year period of living in Tampa, they moved to Indianapolis for one year before relocating to Columbus, Ohio where he accepted a job with Oscar Mayer as a Food Sales Representative for their restaurant division. It was while living in Columbus that he decided to return to school to become an attorney. Rick and Debi relocated to Toledo, Ohio where he attended University of Toledo College of Law. He received his Juris Doctorate in 1981. After graduating from law school, he went to work for the Lucas County Public Defender’s Office, where he had interned during law school. He leaves a professional legacy of compassion and high ethical standards. He spent his career advocating for the rights of the accused, a class of citizens that most overlook. He continued his criminal defense practice and work for the Public Defender’s Office for 40 years. He loved his job and many of the judges and staff became dear friends over the years.

A favorite pastime was golfing with friends. He made many trips with friends to golf in various locations over the years, but the highlight was a trip to play Pebble Beach with his father-in-law. He still vividly recalled each hole many years later and always enjoyed watching tournaments played there, reminiscing about his own rounds played on that heavenly course.

Rick was a dedicated father and loved his children more than anything. They were his pride and joy. He participated in their many class trips and never missed a single sporting event, class play or talent show. He coached some of their grade school basketball teams, where he acquired some of his first grey hairs. Because he loved sports so much, he and Debi even frequently attended the sporting events of the children of close friends.

In addition to his work and family time, Rick enjoyed spending time with he and Debi’s friend group of over forty years, traveling, relaxing time at Lake Leelanau and Grayling and spirited conversations about sports, politics and global events.

Rick is survived by his wife of 49 years, Debra (Debi) Keating Sanders, children Taylor Sanders Johnston (Mike) of Waterville, OH, Zachary Paul Sanders (Nicole) of Lewis Center, OH and Maxwell Thomas Sanders of Toledo, OH; sister Marcia Sanders Harvey (Gary) of Safety Harbor, FL; and two grandchildren, Dominick Jasiah Johnston of Omaha, NE and Abigail Rose Johnston of Waterville, OH.

The family conveys its sincerest appreciation and thanks to all of the people who have loved and supported Rick over the past few years as he was dealing with health issues.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 26th from 3:00pm to 7:00pm at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave., Toledo, OH 43623, west of Corey Rd. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30am at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 5856 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, OH 43614. The family requests that any memorial donations be sent to the Adult Cardiology Fund at Promedica Toledo Hospital ( https://give.promedica.org/give/484995/#!/donation/checkout ) or St. Joan of Arc Church. Condolences may be shared with the family at walkerfuneralhomes.com.