William Raymond Sanders

Taken from his loved ones too soon, William Sanders was a blessing to those around him. His contagious smile was impossible to miss, and his zest for life was unmatched. Bill was a devoted husband and father who treasured becoming a grandfather later in life. Second only to his family were his friends, and he was always up for having a good time. With his strong work ethic, he wholeheartedly applied himself to whatever task was at hand. Life will never be the same without Bill here, but the memories he leaves behind will be lasting treasures in the hearts and lives of all who were blessed to know and love him.

The 1960s were a colorful time in our nation’s history. Civil rights and women’s rights were taking enormous strides, and the race to dominate space was on between the United States and the Soviet Union. The Beatles, the Beach Boys, and Jefferson Airplane all had major hits while James Bond entertained moviegoers in six different movies. Amidst this eventful time was the year 1965 that was filled with great anticipation for a young couple from Colorado Springs, Colorado, as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby. Their wait was over when the baby boy they named William Raymond drew his first breath on July 9th. He was one of two sons born to his parents, Richard and Judith (Riedel) Sanders, and was raised in the family home alongside his brother, Richard, Jr.

For the most part Bill experienced an upbringing that was reflective of his generation. His love for the outdoors was born during his formative years, as was his love for animals. Bill had an adventurous spirit and was always willing to try something new. He was a student at local schools and had a group of close friends with whom he would fish, hunt, and play golf.

New and exciting changes were in store for Bill when he met the young woman of his dreams. Her name was Gale Gibson, and they met while working at Browns Chicken. After dating for a time the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Bill and Gale were married on November 9, 1985, at Asbury United Methodist Church. Together they were blessed to welcome a baby girl into their hearts and home, Beth. He was active in the life of his daughter, and he taught her the ins and outs of gun safety, golfing, fishing, and hunting. In fact, Bill enjoyed giving of his time to children and was integral in helping out with the high school fishing team for a time.

Throughout his life Bill was one to work hard in everything he did. After finishing school he worked in a variety of careers, but once he met his wife he became a pipe fitter and welder. Bill was proud to work as a pipe fitter in Local 597 for the remainder of his career.

As his friends and family can attest, Bill was always doing something. Whenever there was an outdoor sport going on no matter the time of year someone would always try to recruit Bill to come join in. He was an avid hunter who primarily hunted geese and ducks. Bill’s lifelong love for fishing remained with him throughout his life, and he also enjoyed golfing. These things were made even better when he taught his grandchildren to fish and golf. In fact, Bill loved being a grandfather and liked playing with them when they were younger, too. He was also a loyal Green Bay Packer fan.

All who knew William Sanders would agree that he was a truly extraordinary man. He was a lover of life, and he loved sharing his joy, his spirit of adventure, and his warm smile with all who were within his reach. Bill knew what it meant to work hard, but he also knew how to play just as hard as he lived life to the fullest each day. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

William Raymond Sanders, of Bourbonnais, died on December 24, 2013, at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. Bill’s family includes his wife, Gale; daughter, Beth (Adam Marsh) Sanders; three grandchildren, Alex Altmyer, Adam Marsh, Jr. and Adalynn Marsh; and one brother, Richard (Cathy) Sanders, Jr. of Kankakee. A gathering time for friends and family will be held on Monday, December 30, 2013. from 3:30-8:00 p.m. at Schreffer Life Story Funeral Home’s Bourbonnais Chapel. Bill’s funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 31, 2013, at 10:00 a.m., also at Schreffler’s Bourbonnais Chapel. Burial will immediately follow at Mound Grove Gardens of Memory in Bradley. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association or the family’s wishes.