Joe Mac Sanders

Joe Mac Sanders, 78, of Odessa, passed away on January 31, 2026. Joe Mac was born September 23, 1947 in Abilene, Texas. He was the first child of Annye Joe McIntosh Sanders and Durwood Sanders.

After moving to Odessa at a young age, he attended San Jacinto Elementary, Bowie Jr. High and graduated from Odessa High School in 1966. He would go on to attend Texas A&M, Texas Tech and eventually graduate from UT at Arlington. He married the love of his life Katherine, in August 1969. He joined the Ft. Worth Fire Department in 1974. He absolutely loved being a firefighter. Their son, Mac was born in 1975. Their daughter, Aimee, followed a couple years later. The decision to return to Odessa was made in 1978. They bought the house on Valleybrook and he lived there until the day he died.

He spent over 30 years in the roofing business and never missed a chance to point out the houses he’d worked on. Any drive with him turned into a narrated tour, full of stories about the roofs, the homeowners, and the families who’d lived there before—long enough that you sometimes felt pleasantly trapped in the experience.

He was a true Odessan with many lifelong friends. He loved this town and its people. He made it his business and responsibility to drive by friends and family members’ houses early in the morning to “check” on things. You always knew where you stood with Joe Mac. He was a straight shooter and you could always count on him to tell the truth. The truth was probably followed by a lecture or a good old-fashioned ass chewing. This is how he showed his love.

He was a staple at Zucchi’s Sports Bar where he could be found most days at his table in the corner having drink and working a crossword puzzle OR visiting/giving advice.

Over the past few days, many words have been used to describe Joe Mac, but the one heard most often is “friend.” He was truly an old soul from the start—the first child, first grandchild, and first great-grandchild in his family. As the oldest, he naturally became its patriarch, someone his younger siblings and cousins looked up to. No one admired him more than his own children. He was a wonderful father and took great pride in them. Mac and Aimee truly adored him.

However, he was most proud of the woman he married. Katherine Ann Jones was the light of his life and the center of his world. They walked side by side as husband and wife for 57 years, beginning with a blind date in 1964—and the rest is history. Their love story spanned 64 years, filled with good times and hard ones, unwavering support, deep love, and, occasionally, the urge to strangle one another.

Joe Mac is preceded in death by his son, Mac Sanders, by just 8 months. Also, by his parents Annye Joe Sanders and Durwood Sanders, his brother, Chris Sanders, nephew Matthew Jones, his grandparents Joe and Effie McIntosh and Henry and Lillian Sanders, his father-in-law Paul Jones and mother-in-law Arva Jones. He always called his mother-in-law his best friend.

He survived by his wife, Kathy, daughter Aimee, son-in-law Joel Sales, grandsons Jordi and Bryson Sales, all of Lubbock. His little sister and brother-in-law, Leslye and David Reese of Arlington, Texas. Nephews, David Bailey Reese and wife Dejanae of Arlington, Texas and Chris Lacy Reese and wife Britney of Denton, Texas. Also, by his wife’s siblings Calvin Jones of Austin, Glenda Harris of Odessa, and Dale Jones and wife Debra of Oklahoma. Nieces, Stephanie Moran and Cristi Simmons and nephews James Chastain and Luke Jones. First cousins Bob Clifton and Guy Clifton of Marble Falls, Gary Clifton of Ft. Worth, T McIntosh of Brady, Texas and Cindy Fortner of Odessa and many nieces, nephews and cousins that he loved so much.

Pallbearers are grandsons Jordi Sales and Bryson Sales, son-in-law Joel Sales, nephews David Bailey Reese and Chris Lacy Reese, and cousin Ben McIntosh.

Honorary Pallbearers are Steve Brannan, Mike Brooks, Bob Clifton, Gary Clifton Roger Harrinton, Mike Killman, Chris Powell, David Reese, Robby Roberson, Milton Thompson and Wayne Williams.

Visitation will be at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home Tuesday, February 3 from 4 pm – 6 pm.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, February 4 at 2:30 pm at Sunset Memorial Funeral Chapel with Reverend Dr. Jimmy Braswell officiating.

Donations to a charity of your choice in Joe Mac’s name is appreciated.