Cover photo for Earnest Sanders's Obituary
1943 Earnest 2021

Earnest Sanders

November 24, 1943 — August 27, 2021

Earnest Sirven Sanders of Abilene, Texas passed away August 27, 2021, at the age of 77.

Funeral Services will be Thursday, September 9, 2021 at 10:00 am at Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 HWY 277 South, Abilene, Texas. Burial will follow at the Texas State Veteran Cemetery, 7457 W. Lake Rd, Abilene, Texas.

We know these are trying times and the community is still experiencing high risk of the COVID. The family is asking that you wear your mask at the funeral service and graveside. You will not be able to enter he service without a mask. Thank you for respecting the family wishes.

He was born on November 24, 1943, to Jesse Sirven Sanders, Sr., and Pearl Ella Stevenson-Sanders in Calvert, Texas. The Sanders family would later move to Abilene, Texas. Earnest was baptized as a child & graduated from Carter G. Woodson High School in 1962. He was a master mechanic. He also attended Morgan Barber College in Tyler, Texas, & became a Master Barber. It was at that time Earnest earned the nickname "Pine" because he went on & on about the beautiful pines of Tyler. Earnest would go on to serve in Vietnam where he received several honors and accolades.

Earnest married Evie Mae Pinke on May 31, 1968, and they have three children. During his lifetime he worked in upper management with various companies, such as Nestle's.
He would later start a joint business venture, by establishing an automotive care center, with his cousin Joe Starks. Where he operated & eventually retired from this successful endeavor. Earnest enjoyed fishing, cars, the Dallas Cowboys, & was a lover of all sports.

On August 27, 2021, Earnest Sirven Sanders was called home. He is preceded in death by parents Jessie Sanders Sr. & Pearl Stevenson-Sanders. His brother Jessie Sanders, Jr. & sister
Alberta Casey & his beloved daughter Sheila Yvonne Sanders.

Those left to cherish Earnest's memory are his wife Evie Mae Sanders, daughters Shauna Sanders-Bryant (Roderick), & Melodi Phillips (Michael).
Grandchildren: Channing S. Sanders, Chadric E. Sanders, Mitchell A. Phillips, Michael A. Phillips Jr., Chanel N. Phillips, Imanii W. Kolailat, & Great-Grandchild Amiah M. Phillips all of Fort Worth, Texas; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, family & friends.

A Special Thank you, to close Family Friend- Robert "Bowly" Townsend & the Senior Class of 1963 Carter G. Woodson High School.

The Sanders-Bryant & Phillips Family is forever grateful for all the prayers and well-wishes.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Earnest Sanders, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Funeral Service

Thursday, September 9, 2021

Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)

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Graveside Service

Thursday, September 9, 2021

Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)

Texas State Veteran Cemetery

7457 W Lake Rd, Abilene, TX 79601

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