Monte Lee Sanders, 63, peacefully passed away surrounded by loved ones at St. Franciscan Health in Lafayette, Indiana on August 21, 2026. He was born on February 28, 1963 in Kokomo to Rev. Tony and Marilyn (Gano) Sanders. Monte graduated from Clinton Central High School in 1981. During his lifetime, he was employed in factory and construction work. He loved the outdoors, including hunting, fishing, and growing plants and flowers. He enjoyed drawing pictures and playing his guitars. Monte was a very excellent cook.
Monte is survived by his parents; his son, Elijah Sanders, seven siblings, Melody Sanders, Marlena (Joe) Holden, Marqetta (Greg) Horner, Marlin Sanders, Mason Sanders, Marjorie (Kevin) Copas, Marcella (John) Stone; nephews and nieces, Jaren Horner, Anthony (Wendy) Horner, Anne-Maree Holden, Alana (Matthew) Blubaugh, Adam Turrentine, Lexie Sanders, Erika Watkins, Mikal Watkins, Serenity Stone, Sienna Stone; great-nephews and nieces, Alic, Evin, and Lynix Horner, Everleigh, Levi, and Colton Blubaugh.
Monte was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ray and Mary (Mohler) Sanders; George and Thelma (Washington) Gano.
When Monte was a youth, he was baptized in Jesus’ name, and in the weeks preceding his death, was refilled with the Holy Ghost according to Acts 2:38. Monte used his final moments in life to testify of God’s grace. He consistently talked about the love that Jesus and he shared for each other.
In tribute to Monte’s favorite hymn, his family wishes to share these remaining words: “And He walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own, and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.” (“In the Garden” by C. Austin Miles, 1912)
Celebration of Life for Monte will be at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St., Frankfort, Indiana on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m., with the service following at 2 p.m. A graveside service will immediately follow at Union Cemetery, Forest, Indiana. Officiating the services: Rev. Joe Holden, Rev. Greg Horner, Rev. John Stone, Rev. Kevin Copas (brothers-in-law of Monte).
Memorials may be made to organizations of the donor’s choice. Goodwin Funeral Home is honored to assist the Sanders family. Please visit goodwinfuneralhome.com where you may leave a condolence with the family.