John Sanders, an accomplished aviator and beloved husband, passed away on April 27, 2025, at the age of 80 in Warsaw.
John was born in Lynn on Jan. 13, 1945, to Paul and Beulah Clark Sanders. After the death of his mother, he and his four siblings were cared for by their beloved grandmother, Myrtle Clark. From age 9, John went to live with foster parents, Kenneth and Vera Sherbahn in South Whitley. The Sherbahns remained steadfast supporters of John – not just in childhood, but throughout his life.
After graduating from South Whitley High School in 1963, John proudly served in South Korea with the U.S. Army as an infantry reporter for the Stars and Stripes newspaper. After his time in the Army, he pursued what would become his lifelong passion – aviation. John earned his commercial, instructor and instrument ratings, and ultimately landed in Warsaw, his home base for most of his career. Much of that career was spent flying for legendary sportscaster Chris Schenkel, as well as for the late Betty Morgan of Warsaw and her family. Additionally, John flew countless air charter customers as the chief pilot and owner of Cheyenne Charter.
John retired full-time in 2010, accumulating around 25,000 flight hours. In 2017, John was honored with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award by the FAA, recognizing more than 50 years of safe flight operations – an achievement that reflected both his exceptional skill and lifelong dedication to aviation.
On Aug. 15, 1998, John married the love of his life, Jill, and together they shared nearly 34 years of deep companionship, laughter, and purpose. Their relationship was rooted in mutual respect and a love for life’s simple pleasures – working in the yard as a team, sharing long conversations and planning road trips that strayed from the ordinary. John and Jill took great care in crafting their travels, favoring the scenic route, the quiet towns and the unexpected detours that made each journey uniquely their own. Whether they were watching boats drift by or setting out on a carefully mapped road trip to Arizona, they embraced life hand in hand, with curiosity and heart.
John also had a deep connection to nature. His love for birdwatching was quiet but constant joy, and he found peace in observing and capturing the beauty of wildlife through his nature photography. With a camera in hand, he often spent hours outdoors, seeking out the perfect shot of a rare bird or breathtaking landscape. This passion allowed him to connect with the world around him in a way that reflected his deep appreciation for life’s simple wonders.
John and Jill found joy in giving back. They volunteered together for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), a cause close to their hearts, advocating for children in need within the court system. In 2015, John was honored as Kosciusko CASA Volunteer of the Year, a recognition he received with quiet pride and deep humility. The time they spent supporting others was just one more reflection of the values they held dear and the life they built together.
But John’s life was defined by far more than his time in the cockpit. He was a remarkably intelligent and dedicated individual, whose accomplishments were matched by a spirited personality and stubborn streak that endeared him to those who knew him best. John will be remembered for his quick wit, his fondness for a well-told story, and his ability to organize almost anything with a well-crafted spreadsheet.
John is survived by his loving wife, Jill; his children, Heather (Kim) Long and Christopher (Marienne) Sanders; and his stepchildren Adam (Laura) Hudson and Erica Neher. He was a proud grandfather to Elizabeth and Anna Long; Thomas and Gabriela Sanders; Jacob, Tatum and Dallas Hudson; and Hudson and Grayson Neher.
John is remembered by countless dear friends, extended family, and fellow travelers he met throughout his journey.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters: Sarah, Bonnie and Sue; and his brother, Bill.
John will be remembered not only for his remarkable life and accomplishments, but for the thoughtful conversations he shared, the unforgettable sound of his laughter, and the deep gratitude he carried for a life spent doing what he loved – flying, exploring and connecting with others.
Titus Funeral Home is entrusted with the care of John. A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, May 27 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Tippy Creek Winery in Leesburg. Interment of John’s ashes will follow at a later date at Oakwood Cemetery in Warsaw.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Tunnel 2 Towers Foundation – two causes that were close to John’s heart and that he support with deep commitment.