Max Ray Sanders was born December 13, 1945 in Kansas City, Missouri to Joe Sanders and Mary Lee (Smith) Hamilton. He graduated from Coweta High School in 1964. Max married the former Iva Janell Hathcoat on June 18, 1966. They built a close and caring family together, and Max's favorite way to spend time was with family, especially with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Before his retirement Max worked in heavy equipment sales Warren-Cat. He served in the Oklahoma National Guard for six years. Max was one of the biggest supporters of Wagoner Bulldog sports and an avid OU Sooners fan. In fact, he has held the same reserved seats at Odom Field since the 1980's.

In the mid 1980's Max was first elected to the Wagoner City Council and continued representing Ward IV until his death. His fair mindedness and dedicated service will be greatly missed by both the community and his fellow councilors, who have a great respect for his many years of commitment to the betterment of Wagoner.

Max fought strongly to regain his health, before he passed from this life on Sunday, November 19, 2017 in Muskogee, Oklahoma at the age of 71 years. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Patsy Ann Usher and a brother, Bob Sanders.

His loving family will greatly miss him. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Janell Sanders of the home; a son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Sonja Sanders of Coweta; a daughter, Lisa Sanders of Tulsa; six grandchildren, Erik, Ross, Josh, Amanda, Jessica and Emilee; eight great-grandchildren, Abby, Gracie, Ryan, Lilee, Chloe, Brylee, Piper Jo and Sam; a brother, Bill Sanders and his wife, Dee of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; a sister, Sharon Daniels and her husband, Jimmy of Tulsa, Oklahoma; several nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends.

A Visitation will be held on Friday from 5:00-7:00 pm at Mallett Funeral Home.

The Funeral service will be at 1:00 pm Saturday at Mallett Chapel. The Reverend Larry Abernathy will officiate.

Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery in Wagoner Serving as pallbearers will be Scott Sanders, Ross Davis, Jimmy Moore, Brandon Bayird, Greg Hathcoat and Erik Sanders.