Dale Briggs Sanders

Dale “Papa” Briggs Sanders

Dale Briggs Sanders, originally of Elgin, Texas, passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at the age of 70.   

Dale was born on April 3, 1954, in Austin, Texas, to Dale and Adele Sanders, residents of Elgin, Texas.  Growing up, he was described as very astute and analytical, always looking at the possible outcomes of every scenario, however, once he made his decision, that was it.  No more analyzing; he made his decision and stuck to it, determined to see whatever he took on through to the finish.  This is not to say Dale didn’t enjoy a good time.  As a child, he loved playing with his older sister, Pam; “they were always getting into something.”  As he got older, he loved riding motorcycles and working on his 1967 Pontiac GTO, occasionally “letting the horses run” as he would often tell his son, Jeff.  Upon graduation from Elgin High School in 1972, he attended Blinn Junior College, on a band scholarship, and then finished at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, where he had a great time playing the drums and hanging out with friends, and ultimately earned a Bachelors Degree in Industrial Arts.  

Post graduation, Dale embarked on a remarkable career journey. He joined Jefferson Chemical in March of 1977 and remained with the company, which later became The Huntsman Corporation, for over 45 years. His unwavering loyalty and dedication led him to his final position as a Senior Chemical Technician Specialist, from which he retired at the age of 68.

Dale worked extremely hard his entire life, emphasizing to his children the importance of “stretching a penny to make a dollar,” a quality his parents instilled in him from an early age, and “if you want something, you must work for it.”  He also focused on planning for the future, ensuring that when he retired, he could relocate further north to be close to his children and grandchildren, doing all the things he loved to do, namely golfing and fishing.  Dale very much enjoyed golfing with his buddies, spending time on the course not thinking about anything serious, just having a great time with friends.  Even more than that, he loved to fish.  If he could pick one thing to do for the rest of his life, it would be that.  There was no better feeling to him than hooking into a big redfish while fishing on the coast or catching his limit of crappie out on the lake.  Dale found peace and comfort being on the water, and while he enjoyed many things in life, fishing was always his number one.  He passed down this love to his children and grandchildren, and there were frequent discussions of all the fishing trips that needed to happen; there were many more memories to make and records to break.   

Dale “Papa” Sanders will be deeply missed by his children, grandchildren, family, and numerous friends.  The sound of his laugh when something really tickled him; the constant presence of The Doctor’s brand toothpicks, found wherever he was; the shuffle dance he did when he was talking about something that really excited him; the wisdom and knowledge he was always ready to hand down to help those in need; these and so many other qualities that made Dale who he was as Dad, Papa, Son, Brother, Uncle, and Friend.  He will forever be present in the hearts of all who loved him. 

He is survived by his mother, Adele Sanders; his son Jeff Sanders and wife Dena Wallace; daughter, Brettne Cole and husband Malcolm Cole; grandchildren, Trevor, Haiden, Avva, and Jackson; sister, Pamela Sanders Murphy, along with his nieces and nephew and their spouses and children.  

Dale is preceded in death by his father, Dale C. Sanders.

Family and Friends will gather for a Visitation at Elgin Funeral Home on Saturday, June 1st from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM.  A Memorial Service will at 3:00 PM.   A Celebration of his life will continue at the SPJST Hall of Elgin, where we invite all family, friends, and acquaintances to join us in remembering and celebrating Dale.  Inurnment will be private.