George Everett Sanders

George Everett Sanders, age 69, of Allendale, Illinois passed away on Monday, December 25, 2023 at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Evansville, Indiana. He was born on July 23, 1954 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of George Ellis and Betty Faye (Pagan) Sanders.

George was a 1972 graduate of Bosse High School. Horse racing was George’s passion and profession for over thirty years. He began galloping as a teen, going on to become a great thoroughbred trainer, who won many races and was highly respected for his horsemanship. He trained in Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, and all over Kentucky being based out of Ellis Park. He notably won three races in a single day – a feat that was not unfamiliar to him. George was also a loving father and grandfather, and was happiest spending time with his dogs, gardening, fishing with his grandchildren, and being with his fiancée, Susie Draffin and friends. He will be missed by many.

Preceding him in death were his parents and one brother, Jeff Sanders.

Survivors include two children, George Ellis (Kristina) Sanders of New Albany, Indiana and Shena (Scott) Fogel of Ocala, Florida; two brothers, Larry Sanders of Evansville, Indiana and Ron Sanders of Boonville, Indiana; and four grandchildren, Tom Sanders, Meghan Sanders, Ashton Skala, and Beatrice Fogel.

There will be no formal services conducted at this time, but a celebration of life will be planned at a later date. Emmons-Macey & Steffey Funeral Home in Lawrenceville, Illinois is in charge of the arrangements.