ANDRE BURL / L’Observateur / May 26, 1999

GARYVILLE – The Ezekiel Jackson Park was the site on May 16 for a dedication to honor the late Victor Sanders.

The St. John Parish Recreation Department used the backdrop of aparishwide youth baseball tournament as a fitting setting for a memorial to a man who had given his all to the development of the youth of the parish.

The event was flavored with speeches, singing, relatives and friends as the stands were filled with spectators enjoying the festivities.

After baseball opened the festivities, everyone’s attention was drawn to the ceremony to honor Sanders’ memory.

Edward Morris, vice president of the St. John Parish Recreation AdvisoryBoard, served as master of ceremonies. The ceremony started with ablessing by the Rev. Sam Jones, associate minister of True Light BaptistChurch in Garyville. Russ Wise, a recreation board member standing in forboard president Danny Rome, then voiced high respect, esteem, credit and regard to Sanders and his contribution to his community.

Avis Brown followed with a solo titled “He Watches Over Me.” St. JohnParish President Arnold Labat next made two plaque dedications. The firstwas to Willie May Sanders, Victor’s widow, and his four children. Labatalso presented a plaque to Sanders’ mother, who raised 12 children, Victor being the eighth in the line.

Labat noted Sanders’ tireless efforts to get a park and an adequate recreational facility for the community to enjoy.

The Rev. Bobby Nelson of St. Mark Baptist Church of Mt. Airy offeredcomments about Sanders’ commitment to his role as a community leader and builder of character. Nelson also called on the parents and communityleaders to become more involved with the affairs of the community. A soloby Greg Taylor followed.

St. John Parish councilman Kevin Duhon offered his fond remembrances ofSanders’ delightful personality and great attitude. Thanks was given toLowell Gauff for his time and valuable leadership in spearheading the memorial. Special thanks was also given to the communities and coachesinvolved with the baseball teams from Mt. Airy, Garyville, Reserve,LaPlace and Edgard.

The ceremony concluded with a benediction given by the Rev. Ronald Frank,pastor of Milesville Church of God in Christ.

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