Robert Sanders
January 3, 2020
Robert Sanders, also know as Neela Downes, left us on January 3, 2020 at his home. He owned multiple nightclubs in the Wichita area and was avid in the gay community. He loved anything and everything related to dressing in drag and shopping. He also enjoyed traveling all over the country for drag pageants, most notably to St. Louis, Dallas, and Corpus Christi. Being around friends and family was one of the most important aspects of his life. He is preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Paulette Bahr; grandmothers, Anna-Mae Sanders and Shirley Swanson; and special friend, Matt (Messy) Macias. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Teresa Sanders; his children, Katrina and Dominick Sanders; his mother, Lynda Sanders; granddaughters, Karianna and Kytana Sanders; siblings, Lou, Ricky, and Lyndi Montalvo; nephews and nieces, Isaiah, Xavier, Adriana and Lily Montalvo; and partner for many years, Victor Brannan; special friends, James (Jamie Ray Downes) Outhet, Chuck Fletcher, Robert (Foxy) Fox, Brent (Mercedes Ray) Deck, Kyle (Lullah) Irvin, Elizabeth Rains, Martin (Alexandra) Brown, and many others from his drag family, friends and colleagues. Neela’s Last Dance will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at The Venue (formerly known as The Fantasy), 3201 East 31st Street South, Wichita, KS 67216. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Robert’s grandchildren to further their education and to the Susan G. Komen Memorial, 4700 N. University Street, Suite 91, Peoria, Illinois 61615-5849.
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I am so sorry for all of you for the loss of Bobby. He was my first nephew and I loved him very much. I am sorry I am unable to attend his service. My prayers are with you all. Love Aunt Laurie
You will never be forgotten for I have loved you a long time ago and just wanted to be happy with you… You made me laugh but always loved me Thanks for all you done for me …. Now Rest in peace and may your journey with the Lord be forever Full of joy….I wanted to see you one last time but we will all be together 1 day.
You will be missed
Teresa I’m so sorry for your loss. It sounds like your husband touched many lives. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Thoughts & prayers with his loved ones…
Here’s to a man that had the heart of gold. Always had open arms for me. Were one of the kindest, funniest, and genuine Man/ Queen I knew lol I will miss you, watch over all of us…..Rest in Paradise
In memory of Robert Sanders, Dori Workman lit a candle
What a wonderful soul Robert was. Always kind, loving, and very caring. He will sorely missed. He always had a smile and hug for me when I would see him. My thoughts are with Teresa, Victor, and all his family and extended family. He will always be with you in your hearts.
Rest in Heaven
Life here in Wichita will never be the same without you in it… 17 years ago you taught me everything I needed to know about this town plus more. I miss you forever. So lucky to have you in my life.
Robert had a heart of gold. Before I went into retirement from performing he was always encouraging. Always wanted the best for a person to succeed. Robert will be missed. Thank you Robert for the years of encouragement. You don’t know how much that meant to me. Much love to your family. Ms. Dion.
You will be truly missed my friend. Love you so much ! Rest in heaven ❤️❤️❤️
Word can’t express the type of Man Robert was. I know because of him a lot of people were touched and felt like they had a home. Thank you Robert for being who you were and Thank you to the people or person who raised him. You will be missed. Fly high and watch over us. My condolences to the family. Sending love, hugs, and prayers for strength and peace.
Love you Robert we will miss you RIP my friend
In memory of Robert Sanders, Dsvid Schmidt lit a candle
Rest in Paradise!! You will be missed!! Don’t party to most with all of your drag family that you are with now!!
He was one amazing men/women he had a heart of gold he always smile and made you laugh no matter the hard times you gone threw he will be missed fly love fly am sorry for the loss of his loved ones Victor his husband am so sorry bubba I know this must be hard but know am a call away if you need a friend to talk to
RIP Robert!! You will be missed!!
We will miss you forever my son. I love you so much. See you in Heaven when I get there.💔💔💔😭😭😭😭🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
In memory of Robert Sanders, Jennifer cook lit a candle
Robert, The first time I met you i was pre-warned by my brother, Matt (Messy) Macias, that a 6ft tall drag queen was about to enter my home .. and turns out, my life. The moment you walked in, head ducked, to get thru the door, you hugged me so tight and said “Matt talks about you so much, I already think of you as family”. And so he was. Always present to help me if needed even if it was to referee an argument between myself and my brother. I hadn’t seen you much in the last few years and that saddens me. But what I do know is that you are rattling some cages up there with Matt. I love you both. Watch over our Mama while she’s still here and she’ll be in your fold sooner than I care to think about. Give my brother one of those| spectacular hugs my friend…God Speed dear friend….
Always my love
Bobby I miss you so much. My heart 💔. Tears fill my eyes and there is an emptyness that cannot be filled. So many great memories fill my heart and mind. So many reminders of you in every room I walk. I love you and will cherish our times together. You were a great son.🥰
Robert, you are missed. Not just by me, but a whole community. Such a kind heart, and a class act person. My condolences to his family.
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.