Lillard Gene Sanders, 83, of Lebanon, Oklahoma, passed away on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at the OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  He was born on January 18, 1942, in Lebanon, to the late Lillard Atchley Sanders and Ruby Lois Owens Sanders.  Gene was raised in Lebanon and attended Madill Schools, graduating in 1960. After high school, he moved to Dallas where he worked for Glitz Manufacturing and later with Marcc Corporation, where he was employed for 25 years. Gene married Star Evangeline Robinson on May 5, 1998, in Rockwall, Texas.  He also worked for Karlee Sheetmetal Shop before returning to Lebanon and made his home there for the remainder of his life. Gene enjoyed working in his garden, watching sports, and cheering for his favorite teams, the Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Rangers. Above all, he loved spending time with his family.

He is survived by

Wife:                           Star Sanders of Lebanon, Oklahoma

Children:                     Rodney Sanders and wife Karen of Quitman, Texas

Tawnya Francis and husband Kevin of Whitehouse, Texas

5 Grandchildren              7 Great-grandchildren

2 sisters:                      Wanda Tharp of Fort Worth, Texas

Barbara Stubbs of Frisco, Texas

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Verlin Sanders, Donald Sanders, and Morris Sanders; and sisters, Dixie Bond, Gloria Brewer, and Patricia Rogers.

Casket Bearers: Jackson Sanders, Rodney Sanders, Kevin Francis, Tyler Francis, Bobby Kale, Clay Rich, and John Bercen.