Dr. Joe L. Sanders went to Heaven to be with our Lord on January 31, 2020 at Christus Santa Rosa Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Joe was born on October 1, 1938 in Del Rio, Texas to Dr. Joe Ivan and Frances Ross Sanders. At a very young age, Joe lost both parents and was raised by his beloved grandfather, Dr. Horace Benjamin Ross. He married Beverly Jasik Sanders and resided in San Antonio and Del Rio. Joe was a third-generation physician. He was a dedicated learner, educator, mentor and always sought to encourage knowledge and continual growth. He served as an influencer to many in the medical community and beyond. Joe was loving, compassionate, kind and selfless. He always put the love of his life, Beverly, family, friends and patients before himself. Joe was an amazing and dedicated husband, physician and friend. His loyalty and love for his family and friends were truly remarkable. He was a brilliant Physician and Radiologist, always giving his absolute best. He was loved and respected by many, an inspiration to all whose lives he touched and always made those around him much better. As one of his friends stated, “To know (Dr.) Joe Sanders, was to love him.” We have faith that you have reached our Heavenly Father and that He holds you in His presence.
He graduated from Trinity University of San Antonio in 1959 with a BA degree in Biology/Chemistry and a minor in Spanish; University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas in 1964 with a Doctor of Medicine degree; Internship at St. Paul Hospital in Dallas rotating 1964/1965; Residency at Baptist Memorial Hospital System in San Antonio 1969-1972 with a Diagnostic Radiology degree. Joe was the first full time radiologist to work in Val Verde Regional Medical Center (Hospital) in Del Rio. He became the Chief Director of Radiology of the Del Rio hospital and continued to practice through January, 2020.