Dr. Joseph L. Sanders

Dr. Joseph L. Sanders, 83, of Willoughby, formerly of Mentor, died December 28, 2023, at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. Born in Crawfordsville, Indiana on June 29, 1940, Joe was a professor of English who dedicated himself to educating students at Indiana University, Moorhead State College, and at Lakeland Community College, where he was named a professor emeritus upon his retirement in 2001. Prior to his academic career, he worked for Bobbs–Merrill Publishers. Joe attended Roachdale Public Schools in Indiana, graduating in 1958. He earned his bachelor’s degree from DePauw University, his master’s from Claremont Graduate School, and his Ph.D. from Indiana University. It was at IU that Joe met the love of his life, Mary, and their love only continued to grow over the next 57 years of marriage and raising their family. Those who knew Joe will undoubtedly remember him with a book of science fiction always in hand. Through his extensive work and passion he became a published author and distinguished expert in the genre. Joe was a member of the Science Fiction Research Association, which honored him in 2003 with the Thomas Clareson Award for service to the association, and he was a member and division director for 10 years with the International Association for the Fantastic in the Arts. Joe was a devout Christian, serving most recently as an elder at First Presbyterian Church in Willoughby. His faith was attested in few words but through his selflessness, generous acts, and philanthropic endeavors. Joe was a committed husband, a loving father, and loyal friend to all who knew him. Survivors include his wife, Mary Sanders; sons, Benjamin (Angela) Sanders, Christopher (Cary) Sanders, and Gregory (Lynn) Sanders; grandchildren, Andrew, Evan (Chloe), Trevor, Cameron, Sydney, Eleanor, and Kaia. Joe was preceded in death by his beautiful grandson, Elijah, and his parents, Deryl and Mary F. Sanders. Private family services with inurnment will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Willoughby. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe’s memory can be made to the Outdoor Pavilion at First Presbyterian Church of Willoughby, 4785 Shankland Rd., Willoughby, OH 44094. Arrangements entrusted to the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. Please offer condolences at www.brunners.com.

Dr. Joseph L. Sanders

June 29, 1940 - December 28, 2023