Roy Eldon Sanders

Eldon passed away peacefully on November 11, 2009 with his family at his side after a brief but tough battle with leukemia.

Born in Clinton, Oklahoma on July 7, 1937 to Roy and Thelma Sanders, Eldon moved with his family to Porterville in 1949. He was a proud graduate of Porterville High School in 1956 and fell in love with Jo Davidson and they were married on October 12, 1956.

Eldon was born to be a farmer. Although he tried other occupations, farming was his true love. He was in the citrus business for over 15 years before beginning his own citrus management company which he ran for 32 years until his retirement in December 2005. His love for his citrus groves was almost as strong as his love for his family. He was a dedicated farmer and some family and social gatherings were interrupted by many aspects of farming especially the cold weather. He could not rest until his "orange babies" were taken care of. He loved each and every moment he spent farming. His favorite part of farming was the quiet times he spent on a tractor working in the groves and on his home place. A disced field was a beautiful sight to him. His daughters farmed with him for a short time but decided this was not for them! Even after his retirement he re-entered the citrus business in 2006 as a field man for Magnolia Packing House. Farming was just in his blood.

Eldon was a member and an officer of the Rocky Hill Racing Association, the Farm Bureau, Elks Club and the 1956 Class Reunion Committee. During his (legal & illegal) days of racing at Rocky Hill, he loved spending time at the track serving as Pit Steward and crew member of the #72 car and then the social time at the Pizza Barn! He began his racing day as a teen on the country roads in the Porterville area.

Eldon was a family man with Jo as his "precious one", their love and friendship were endless, filled with respect, honesty and trust. They loved to travel in their trailer and saw most places in the United States and couldn't wait for their next trip. After Jo's passing in 2005 he was never quite the same. After 49 years of marriage a part of him went with her. His love for travel continued with numerous trips with his daughters, their families and his traveling partner, his sister Judy as well as many dear friends. His love for the road was topped off a month ago when he traveled to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta with Judy and Deniece - this was a sight he said he will never forget.

Eldon is survived by his daughter Deniece Sanders and her family, Lee Cook, Robert, Lori, Ryan and Joey Phillips and Brian, Aspen, Tristan and Royston Phillips of Porterville. Eldon was very proud of Deniece and her compassion for people in her job as an RN. He had the privilege to see her in action as he was her patient at the Roger S. Good Cancer Treatment Center.

He is also survived by his daughter Diana McLaughlin and her husband Glen and their family, Jeffrey, Joyce, Madison and JoJo McLaughlin and Craig, Crystal, Jaydee and baby Jax (making his appearance on November 20th). He was very proud of Diana's accomplishments and working despite her challenges. When she went to work at Porterville High School, he was so happy as he loved that "Orange & Green".

He was also a proud Grandpa to Robert, Jeffrey, Craig and Brian, as he finally got some "boys". He taught them life values and what hard work can get you and how the value of a dollar was so important. They loved their Grandpa and they each remember special times spent with him. He was a great Grandpa and cherished the time he was able to spend with them.

Eldon was survived by two sisters Judy Koop and Sally Koop of Porterville and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Eldon had numerous close friends that were like family and many acquaintances that feel this loss as will as his family. He cherished each one of them and treasured the time spent together and was eager for their next visit. (Oh, and by the way, boys drink a "Kool Aid" for me.)

He was preceded in death by his wife Jo, his parents and his father and mother in law, Luther and Goldie Davidson.

Although he will be missed by his family, we know he drove his tractor straight into Jo's arms and they are together once again. He always believed that "Hearts that truly love never forget". He is catching everybody up on all that has been going on. We can't wait until we are all together again and see that love in their eyes and receive that big hug. We love you and miss you.

The family requests that donations be made to the Robert S. Good Cancer Treatment Center, 465 W. Putnam Ave., Porterville, CA 93257.