Melvin O'Daniel Sanders 73 of Abilene went home to be with the Lord on Monday November 26 2012. Services are planned for 11:00 a.m. on Friday November 30 at North's Funeral Home with Joel Tobey officiating. Burial will follow at the Hamby Cemetery in Hamby Texas. The family will receive friends Thursday from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. in North's Memorial Chapel located at 242 Orange St.  Melvin was born August 31 1939 in Albany Texas to Bennie & Lola Sanders. He graduated from Albany High School. He retired as Captain from the Abilene Fire Department and was a member of the Second Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of fifty-four years Susan Sanders; two sons Doyle Sanders and wife Louanne and Doug Sanders both of Abilene. One daughter Denise Lemley and husband Mark of Abilene. Sister Darlene Newman and husband Jerry of Moran; brothers Eddie Sanders of Abilene and Roger Sanders and wife Alaine of Moran. Eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Roy Sanders.  Online condolences may be made at www.northsfuneralhome.com.