John Douglas “Doug” Sanders, 65, of Spencer, Indiana, passed away at his home, surrounded by his family on August 11, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Doug was born on October 30,1960, in Sandborn, Indiana. He attended North Knox High School in Bicknell, Indiana, where he played baseball as a pitcher and graduated with the Class of 1979.

Doug lived a life defined by service, faith, adventure, and a relentless curiosity. He believed it was never too late to learn, grow, or answer a new calling. He was a beloved husband of 28 years, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Throughout his life he was a friend, a mentor, an avid fan of live music and a lifelong sports enthusiast, particularly of Indiana University athletics and the Indianapolis Colts.

Doug first earned his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in General Studies before dedicating 37 years to Indiana University Facility Operations. There he led major projects throughout the university’s campus and put his extensive construction knowledge to use, occasionally taking particular delight in pointing out an architect’s error so it could be corrected. Throughout his career, he maintained his lifelong curiosity and earned additional bachelor’s degrees from Indiana University in Sociology and Teaching. His determination to continue pursuing knowledge ultimately led him to a new vocation later in life and one of his proudest accomplishments of becoming an ordained minister at the age of 57. After earning his master’s degree from Cincinnati Christian University in 2016, he was ordained at Sandborn First Christian Church and Sherwood Oaks Christian Church in 2017.

Doug served in ministry at Sherwood Oaks Christian Church and Westside Community Church in Bloomington, as well as Bethel Baptist Church in Spencer. He was also a devoted member and spiritual leader within the Emmaus, Kairos, and the Indiana Dream Team communities. Doug’s commitment to helping others extended far beyond his professional and ministerial work.

He served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT in Owen County and as a volunteer firefighter in Greene County. He was also a member of the Indianapolis 500 fire crew for almost two decades and traveled around the world as part of the Indy Racing League’s safety crew. In addition, Doug served as an IHSAA football, baseball, and basketball official, officiating middle school and high school games throughout Indiana. But one of his most valued services was as a softball coach for his daughter Amanda and encouraging young players while building their confidence and creating treasured memories.

Travel was one of Doug’s greatest joys. His journeys took him to the Holy Land, Japan, Hawaii, Aruba, and 14 Caribbean islands. As a certified scuba diver, he enjoyed exploring beneath the water as much as he did the world above it. Of all the places he visited, St. John held a particularly special place in his heart. In quieter moments, Doug loved boating on Lake Monroe aboard his beloved boat, “Sweet Summertime,” and relaxing with his dogs at home. He had a deep appreciation for history and delighted in lively social debates, although, by his rule, never church and politics at the same time. Doug will be remembered for his servant’s heart, adventurous spirit, deep faith, intellectual curiosity, and the enthusiasm with which he embraced life. Through his ministry, friendships, and many years of service, he touched countless lives.

Doug is survived by his wife ‘Janie’ Juanita Jane Sanders; his children Amanda (Jamie) Edmondson, Amy (Casey) Hanlon, Craig (Kari Anderson) Pahmeier; his grandchildren Austin Singleton, Matthew Lantrip, Levi Singleton, Joshua Singleton, Madison Pahmeier-Hanlon, Layla Hanlon; his great-grandchildren Nevada, Georgia, Jaylon; his sister Debbie Brown; his nieces and nephews Julie (Paul) Morrison, Jennifer (Lanny) Neal Foster, Jeff Neal; and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Janet Sanders, his sister ‘Patty’ Patricia Neal, brother-in-law Tom Brown and a great-niece.

A celebration of Doug’s life will be held at Sherwood Oaks in Bloomington, Indiana, with Bryan Sanders presiding. The visitation will be held on August 20 from 4:00–7:00pm with the service beginning at 7:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to be made to the Pink Connection, Dottie’s Refuge, or Food for the Hungry charities. 

Arrangements and care have been entrusted to Meng Family Funeral Homes, Anderson-Poindexter Chapel in Linton. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family online at www.mengfuneralhome.com.