Rev. Dr. Harlan Sannes, age 99, of Rockwell, North Carolina, entered his heavenly home on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the W. G. Bill Hefner VA Medical Center in Salisbury. Born May 8, 1926, in Campbell County, South Dakota, he was the son of the late John and Augusta Albertina Sannes. He faithfully served his country as a paratrooper in the United States Army during World War II. Rev. Dr. Sannes was a devoted servant of Christ and a lifelong minister of the Gospel. He was a graduate of God’s Bible School and College, where he earned a Doctor of Religious Education. He ministered with humility and dedication, touching countless lives through preaching, teaching, and Christian leadership. He attended Archdale Pilgrim Holiness Church and was a longtime member of Faith Holiness Church in New Castle, Indiana, where he was affectionately known by many as “Buddy.” He served as pastor of the Lower Light Church in Tecumseh, Michigan, founded the Accelerated Christian Program, and served as Principal and Administrator of the Lower Light Christian Day School, demonstrating a deep commitment to Christian education and spiritual formation. In addition to his ministry, Rev. Dr. Sannes retired from Chrysler Motors on December 31, 1981, after 30 years of service as a manager over automotive parts, faithfully balancing his vocational career with his calling to ministry. He is survived by his beloved wife, Siller Mae Sannes; sons Walter (Gail) Sannes and John Sannes; daughter Mary Jane Sannes; stepchildren Janet (Ed) Isenhour, Mike (Sharron) Fletcher, and Debbie (Steve) Springer of Salisbury; six grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; and eight step-great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends Wednesday, December 17, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Powles Staton Funeral Home in Rockwell. The family will also receive friends Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Purse Funeral Home, 2959 N. Adrian Hwy, Adrian, MI. A funeral service will be held following at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2025 in the Purse Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in East Rome Cemetery with Military Honors performed by the Adrian American Legion Honor Guard. www.PurseFuneralHome.com
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7
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