James & Gayla Sanders

Gayla Lynne Sanders, 56, of Odessa, Texas went to be with her lord and savior on January 7, 2022. Just thirteen days later, her husband, James Donald Sanders, 62, of Odessa, Texas earned his Angel wings on January 20, 2022.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 5, 2022, at Mission Dorado Baptist Church in Odessa, Texas with a lunch provided by the church directly after. Pastor Jonathan Coleman will officiate.

Gayla was born on March 15, 1965, to Joseph and Elaine Haire and was raised by her loving second father, Bob Bell and mother, Elaine. James was born on May 26, 1959, to BJ and Wilma Sanders in Seminole, Texas. He was the only boy of 4 children.

Gayla attended high school at Ozona ISD and college at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas. James attended high school at Fort Stockton High School and was a proud member of our armed services in the Navy from 1980-1984. He became an E-5 Second Class Petty Officer Boiler Technician on board the Harold E. Holt FF-1074. He was Honorably Discharged.

On November 21, 1986, in Odessa, Texas they married and had one child, Allen Sanders on July 3, 1987. Gayla worked for the city of Odessa for 18 years, 11 months and was a loved member of the utilities department where she worked as the Utilities Project Coordinator. James worked for H&K Armored Services for 31 years gaining the title of General Manager.

They were proud Christians and loved their God with all their heart. She led a small women’s bible study group, loved solving sudoku puzzles, and enjoyed scrapbooking. He participated in a small men’s bible study group, loved playing online video games with his nephew and friends, and enjoyed cooking and reading.

Gayla is preceded in death by both fathers, Joseph Haire and Bob Bell. James is preceded in death by both of his parents, BJ and Wilma Sanders, his oldest sister, Janette Weddle, and less than two weeks earlier, his loving wife, Gayla Sanders.

They are survived by their son and daughter-in-law, Allen and Dusty Sanders; Gayla’s sister, Leisa Harden; brothers and sisters-in-law, Roger and Karen Bell, Randy and JoAnn Bell, and her mother, Elaine Bell. James’ two sisters, Donna Sanders, and Carol Parker; grandsons, Nickolas and Ryan, and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great nephews, and their fur babies, Harley, and Baxter.

Memorials/Donations may be given to Mission Dorado Baptist Church, 4142 Faudree Road, Odessa, Texas – 79765.

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the staff at Medical Center Hospital and Mission Dorado Baptist Church.