Robert (Bob) Burnett Sanders passed away in Sanford, NC at the age of 83. He is survived by his wife, Gladys, his daughter Sylvia (David Schneider), his son William (Margaret Esselborn), and a granddaughter, Ivy.

Bob was born December 9, 1938 in Augusta, Georgia. He raised chickens, had a paper route, took piano lessons, and studied hard. He attended segregated schools, graduated from Paine College in 1959, and married the former Gladys Nealous December 23, 1961. Bob received his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, and did post-doctoral work at the University of Wisconsin. Bob joined the biochemistry faculty at KU in 1966, and retired in 2004 after serving as an associate dean of the Graduate School and associate vice chancellor, and professor.

Bob supported the First United Methodist Church, the American Lung Association, and the National Science Foundation. He was also a member of The Boulé, an organization for professional Black men whose mission, in part, is to collectively bring about change that cannot be accomplished by individual people. Bob wrote the book: Contributions of African American Scientists to the Fields of Science, Medicine, and Inventions (2010). The onset of Alzheimer's disease made subsequent publications impossible.

Bob and Gladys moved to Sanford, NC, in 2014 to live near William, enjoy the milder weather, and be within a day's drive of relatives in Augusta. If desired, memorial donations can be made to Paine College or to any charity of choice.

A virtual memorial was held July 12, 2022.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Sep. 11, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Sanders

6 Entries

Margaret Douglas

April 7, 2024

Dear Gladys and Family - 29th Ct. Neighbors

My heart goes out to you, dear Gladys, ... & little dears, William & Sylvia for Bob´s Sacred passing.

I think of you, Gladys, from time to time ... when working in the yard, taking walks without my clippers (should take them along like you do!). You were a Bright Light on "the cul-de-sac" ... along with William & Sylvia! My mother especially enjoyed interacting with you ... two great wits engaging in conversation. Robert, an anchor on the cul-de-sac ... his sweet presence felt not heard ; )

You all are forever in my heart.

With Sincere Regards,
Margaret

PS - Gladys, I googled you this morning after sharing the "walking with clippers in hand" story.

Joan A Kanet

September 24, 2022

Gladys and Family,

Roger and I were sorry to hear about Bob's death. It doesn't seem possible, but it was in 1966 that we also moved to Lawrence. If my memory is correct, I think you and I met at a get together for new faculty wives. We soon became friends and our families spent lots of time together.
We learned of Bob's death while looking for a "Gladys" recipe on Google. I still remember all the wonderful meals we shared with the Sanders family.
Please give our best to Sylvia and William. You all be in out thoughts and prayers.

Fondly. Joan and Roger Kanet

Roz Newmark

September 15, 2022

Dear Gladys and Family,
I'm so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. As the daughter of Marge ( and Phil ) Newmark our paths crossed. Usually when I was visiting my mom in the Bio Chem. dept. or later, during the holidays when I was home visiting. Our contact was not

frequent, but I know Marge held Bob in high regard. Even as Marge has since passed ( 2017 ) I know she too would want you to know she holds you in heart with Bob's passing.
Fondly, Roz Newmark

Margaret Clark

September 14, 2022

Gladys and family,
We want to extend our sympathy for your loss of husband, father, and grandfather. It was our privilege to know you as customers and friends. We enjoyed the ice cream treats on our chicken delivery route.
May God bless you,
Fred and Margaret Clark and family

Zee Button

September 11, 2022

I´m so sorry to learn of Bob´s passing. He was a wonderful man and will be missed. Gladys, Sylvia, William and families, you are in my thoughts at this time.

Kay Rytting

September 11, 2022

Love and condolences to you, Gladys, and to your children. You and Bob both blessed our family in so many ways, especially by graciously welcoming us to Lawrence. Howard enjoyed working with Bob, and I appreciated Gladys's patience as a teacher of my children. Blessings on you at this time.

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