Obituary of Gilbert L. Sanders

Gilbert "Gib" Sanders of State College died November 4, 2018 after a 6 year struggle with cancer. He was born in Keyser, West Virginia, the son of Gilbert and Alice Sanders who preceded him in death as did his brother and only sibling, Ronald Sanders. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Lynne, his son Mark of Selinsgrove, Pa, his daughter Betsy of Corning, CA, and two grandchildren, James and Chelsea. A graduate of Potomac State College and West Virginia University with a BS in aeronautical engineering, Gib also received a master's degree in aeronautical engineering from Penn State and was a registered Professional Engineer. He was a veteran of the Army, having served in Germany. Gib worked as an aeronautical engineer at aircraft companies including Fairchild and Piper. He then worked as an engineer at Penn State at the Applied Research Lab and the Dept of Aeronautical Engineering. After retirement, he was associated with Interiors by Shirley Palermo and Associates. Gib had a lifelong passion for flying and airplanes, especially "Old Timers", and loved building and flying electric model airplanes. He was a longtime member of the State College Radio Control Club and for a number of years enjoyed volunteering with the State College Area School District elementary learning enrichment program introducing young children studying the science unit Air and Aviation to the basics of flight and helping them build a simple airplane. A skilled and creative craftsman, Gib could design, build or repair almost anything. In his retirement years, you could always find him in his workshop involved in a new project. He was a kind, caring and loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be missed by all who knew him. Friends will be received at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton Street, State College, on Sunday, November 11, 2018 from 1 to 3 pm. Family services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Gib's memory may be made to Centre Life Link EMS, PO Box 272, State College PA 16804-0272, an essential emergency service that Gib believed was vital to our community and deserving of everyone's support. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.