George W. Sanders Jr.

            Pastor George Wilford Sanders, Jr., 60, of Altoona, went home to be with his Lord early Thursday morning, December 30, 2021, at UPMC Altoona.

            He was born on April 22, 1961, in Kermit, Texas, a son of the late George Wilford, Sr. and Ivy Zoe (Wood) Sanders. On September 29, 1984, he married Norma Rose DeStefano in Altoona.

            Surviving, along with his wife of 37 years, are three sisters: Zoe Bartley of Hewitt, Texas, Patricia Gentry of Arlington, Texas, and Joy Sanders of Hewitt, Texas; fourteen nieces and nephews; and many extended family members and friends.

            He was preceded in death by brothers-in-law, Mike Gentry and Melvin Bartley.

            Mr. Sanders was a 1979 graduate of C.H. Yoe High School in Cameron, Texas. He continued his education as an “Aggie” at Texas A&M University, where he received in 1983 a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanized Agriculture. He was also involved with the Baptist Student Union at the University.

            Pastor George became Pastor of Altoona First Southern Baptist Church on November 7, 1987, where he has proudly served for thirty-four years. He enjoyed sharing God’s word through ministry and was an encourager to many, a shoulder to cry on, and a wonderful listener. He was a friend to every stranger and someone who would always be there for you in a time of need, regardless of if he were sick or busy. He had a larger-than-life smile, laugh, heart, and voice. He loved watching his nephew, Elliot play baseball and enjoyed watching a variety of sports. He cherished spending time with his family and friends during holidays.

            He was a member of the Southern Baptist Convention. He served as a moderator several times over the past thirty years and as treasurer for the past ten years for the Conemaugh Valley Baptist Association. He served as President and Vice President for the Baptist Convention of Pennsylvania/South Jersey Baptist Association and has served on many other committees throughout convention.

            Friends will be received from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Friday January 7, 2022, at New Hope Baptist Church, 276 Maple Hollow Road, Duncansville, where a funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m., with Pastor Douglas Pilot officiating.

            In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations please be made to Altoona First Southern Baptist Church, 903 North Fourth Street, Altoona, PA 16601.

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