Robert J. Sanner Sr., an Army musician who worked for 23 years at the National Security Agency, died Friday of heart failure at Morningside House of Friendship in Severn. He was 87 and resided in Odenton.

Born in Johnstown, Pa., he studied the cornet and violin in his early years and in his late teens organized a dance orchestra in his hometown.

Mr. Sanner joined the Army and served for 23 years, including service during World War II and Korea. He spent most of his military career in the Army Field Band. He attained the rank of chief warrant officer.

After leaving the military, he worked for NSA at Fort Meade.

"Dad never talked about his civilian job at NSA. ... He believed loose lips sink ships," said his son, Robert J. Sanner II of Hanover.

Mr. Sanner was a 33rd-degree Mason and participated in many community programs.

His wife of 53 years, Hazel Sanner, died in 1993.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 13 at Nichols Bethel United Methodist Church, 1239 Murray Road in Odenton.

In addition to his son, survivors include a daughter, Jeanne Marie Sanner of Orange, Calif.; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.