Aug. 6, 1963 – Sept. 1, 2024

Funeral service for Darrel Wayne Sanders, 61, of Gore, Okla., was held at 2 p.m. on Monday, September 9, 2024, at Christ the King Church in Vian, Okla. under the direction of Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Service, Inc.

A reception immediately followed the service at the Vian Community Building.

He was born on August 6, 1963, in Tahlequah, Okla. to Jacqueline (Lewis) Sanders and Charles Lemuel Sanders and passed away on Sept. 1, 2024 in Gore.

He was a substitute teacher and of the Christian faith. He loved to watch OU and play golf barefoot. He enjoyed all sports with his kids. He was a good poker player, a great bowler and liked to fish. He was a big supporter of the Vian Wolverines and placed a tremendous emphasis on the importance of education for himself as well as others. He loved spending time with family and friends. Darrel was always telling stories and being funny, but most of all, he loved being “Dudu” to his grandkids.

Survivors are two daughters, Kaesi Major and husband, Robbie McFarland, of Gore, and Rachael McElhaney and husband, Jeremy, of Vian; two sons, Johnathen Worth and partner, Brett Schwab, of Saint Petersburg, Fla. and Taylor Sanders of Vian; nine grandchildren, Brandon Reece Major, Kyle Owen Major, Lilie Michelle Major, Briar Lee McFarland, Lyla Jo McElhaney, Liam John McElhaney, Aubrey Sanders, Nolan Girty and Bella Gianetta Sanders; one sister, Cheryl Sanders of Texas; two brothers, Michael Sanders and wife, Kathleen, of Oklahoma and Jerry Sanders of Oklahoma; and several other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Lemuel Sanders and Jacqueline (Lewis) Sanders; one brother, Charles Sanders; and one sister, Lucretia Kirk.

Pallbearers were Jerry Sanders, Steven Sanders, Derek Kirk, Taylor Sanders, R.C. Sanders, Monte Sanders and Johnathen Worth.