Charlie Hugh Sanders

6/20/1929 - 7/2/2024

Our beloved Charlie Hugh Sanders, age 95, departed this life on July 2, 2024 at Woodward Hills Health and Rehabilitation Center in Bloomfield Hills.

Charlie Hugh Sanders was born June 20,1929 in Detroit, the single child of Charlie Ross Sanders, and Annie (nee Pembleton) Sanders (who migrated here from England with her parents in 1911), He was named after his grandfathers, Charlie Sanders and Archibald Hugh Pembleton. As a boy, Charlie studied piano and tap dancing and became both an accomplished classical music pianist and talented tap dancer.

Charlie graduated from Cass Technical High School in Detroit (1947) and attended Wayne State University where he obtained the following degrees: B.S., chemistry (1951); M.Ed., secondary science education (1954); and Ed.D. (doctorate), educational administration and supervision (1967). While at Wayne, Charlie became a member of Phi Sigma Epsilon fraternity and through alliances made there, he and wife Carolyn developed a lifelong friendship with four other couples, celebrating 66 consecutive New Year's Eves with the crew.

Charlie first met Carolyn Sue Stuart during their high school years when they both attended Duck-Inn Canteen dances, and WIT-TEE Club and fraternity events. He won her over, and on August 22,1953 they were married at St. Aloysius Church in downtown Detroit. They raised four children: Claudia Ann, Laura Lynn, Ross Stuart and Martha Ellen.

Charlie was a passionate educator who championed civil rights and human rights advocacy in his work. He was dedicated to, and worked tirelessly for the Detroit Public Schools (DPS) system for 44 years Beginning his career in 1953 as a chemistry and mathematics teacher at Cass Technical High School (his alma mater) his youthful appearance prompted a hall monitor to request his student ID. Charlie went on to serve DPS with increasing responsibility spanning four decades as: a guidance counselor for Wilbur Wright Cooperative High School; an Assistant Principal for Spain Junior High School (1964-1967); and a Region 8 Assistant Superintendent and full Region 8 Superintendent (1967-1982, inclusive) where as a respected community leader he provided administrative leadership for King, Kettering and Southeastern High Schools and their constellations comprised of a total of 32 elementary and middle schools. When the regional districts recentralized, Charlie served as DPS Assistant Superintendent for the Department of Strategic Planning, and retired as DPS Assistant Superintendent for Planning, Research, and Evaluation in 1996.

While at Spain Junior High School, Charlie researched the basis for his doctoral dissertation titled, Operation Go: A Special Project for Potential Dropouts from a Junior High School Situated in a Lower Socio-Economic Area of the City of Detroit. The successful outcomes of this project led to its expansion at many other schools. His children also recall Charlie tap-dancing in a faculty talent show at Spain in 1967, eliciting a roaring applause from students: "We want more, we want more!". This endearing moment is testament to Charlie's life career with DPS: talent, joy, sharing of himself, and making connections with students and colleagues.

Throughout their lives, Charlie and Carolyn were the second generation of Sanders' to host family vacations for their children and grandchildren along Lake Charlevoix. Charlie immensely enjoyed pan fishing with the youngsters (and yes, while restlessly "tap dancing" in the boat, under his seat, while waiting for the fish to bite). In retirement, Charlie and Carolyn were fortunate to take on Charlie's wanderlust and visited many locations on 6 continents.

Early in retirement, and embracing the Information Age with gusto, Charlie joined a Mac Users group, learning to create beautiful photo calendars which he did for 24 years. At age 79, Charlie dusted off his 1947- era tap shoes and took to the stage with daughter Martha. They co-wrote The Me and My Dad Show and performed it in Chicago and Detroit. With fortunate good health, Charlie remained an active member of LA Fitness well into his 80's with best friend and former DPS colleague, Parker Woo. He also looked forward to monthly gatherings with a group of former and retired DPS colleagues at Fishbone's Restaurant in Southfield.

Charlie was an exceptionally loving, caring and generous son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. He enthusiastically attended his grandchildren's events, teaching tap steps and piano along the way, and provided sound grandfatherly advice without judgment.

Charlie is survived by Carolyn, his wife of 70 years, four children, seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter: Claudia (Jeffry) Krcmarik (Eva (daughter Charli Ann) Krcmarik and Nathan Krcmarik); Laura (Ramiro Martinez) Sanders (Chantel Sanders and Nina Sanders); Ross (Maryann) Sanders (Julian (Kathryn) Sanders and Sean Sanders); and Martha (Kevin Davis) Sanders and Jackson Davis. He is also survived by a special nephew, Ryan (Jenny) Stuart and their children; brother-in-law Glenn (Melva) Stuart and their family; and sister-in-law Charlotte Crist. He was predeceased by sister-in-law Cheryl Stuart.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. If you choose, kindly submit condolences online at www.nationalcremation.com. Donations in Charlie's memory will be gratefully accepted by The Children's Foundation, 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Suite 218, Detroit, MI 48202, or online at https//yourchildrensfoundation.org