Robert L. "Sweetpea" Sands

Robert L. "Sweetpea" Sands, age 80, of Amherst, died Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at Community Health Partners Hospital, Lorain, following a brief illness.
He was born October 6, 1928 in Lorain, Ohio, where he lived most of his life. He attended Lorain High School.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War (1950-1953) as a Staff Sargent. He served with the 82nd Anti-Aircraft Battalion of the 2nd Infantry Division. He attended numerous army reunions and was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).
Robert was employed for 43 years at Lorain Works US Steel, retiring in 1986 as a Maintenance Building Inspector. He was a member of the United Steelworkers Local 1104, along with being the publicity chairman and "Man of the Year" for SOAR (Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees). Bob was also active in the Golden Age Pensioners Club, volunteered with "Do the Right Thing" and Labor Day Union Picnics. He served as the head of the Men's Fitness Center volunteers at the Lorain YMCA and volunteered in the kitchen for the Golden Age Pensioners.
He was a member of the Christ United Methodist Church, where he served as Treasurer and President of the Men's Club for over 17 years. He served as Chairman of the Building Committee from 1957 to 1966 when the church was built.
Known by most as "Sweetpea," Bob's lifelong hobbies included bowling, camping, and fishing. After retirement he enjoyed attending various Army Reunions around the country and enjoyed the company of fellow retirees from US Steel and the YMCA. At his side for 17 years was his yorkie, "Pippin."
He is survived by his daughters; Deborah L. Robinson, of Victoria, TX and Denise J. Kirkpatrick, of Weston, MO, his son, Robert A., of Richardson, TX, step-son, Larry Engleman, of Kansas City, MO, his grandchildren; Stacie Marthiljonni, Jennifer Purdy, Kristie Myers, Donald Kirkpatrick, Ethan Sands, and Sarah Sands, his 6 great grandchildren, his sisters; Shirley Colman of Elyria and Ruth Sands, of Tampa, FL. Bob is also survived by his group of dearest friends; George Roling, Kay Martin, and John Shumyla.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Georgia (nee Standen) Sands, a grandson, Nicholas Ellis, his brothers; John, Charles, George and Richard, and his sisters; Lidia Barber and Doris Heldreth.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 21, from 4-8 pm, at the Lorain Lighthouse United Methodist Church, 3015 Meister Road, Lorain, where military honors will be held at 5:00 pm, directed by the Disabled American Veterans Louis Paul Proy Chapter 20. Funeral services will be Monday, at 1:00 pm., at the church. The Rev. Greg Sellers will officiate. Burial will be Wednesday, June 24th, at 10:30 am, at Western Reserve National Cemetery, Rittman.