Dick M. Sanders, of Morristown NJ, passed away peacefully in his home Friday, July 19, 2024, at the age of 93.
Dick was born November 28, 1930, in Purdy, Missouri, to Hazel and Fred Sanders. He grew up in Barry County and his love for this area never wavered. It was his honor to serve the citizens of the county as Northern Commissioner of the County Court from 19741978. He was later elected to the office of Circuit Clerk/Recorder of Deeds where he served until his retirement in 2002.
After graduating as Salutatorian of the Butterfield Class of 1948, Dick joined the United States Air Force in 1950, serving primarily in England and with the special occupation forces in Germany. On June 22, 1957, Dick married Wanda Swindell. They purchased an acreage outside of Monett where they raised their family. His passion for sports led to many years on the baseball/softball field, both playing and coaching. He was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan and an accomplished golfer playing into his 90s.
After his retirement, Dick and Wanda moved to Willard where he gained many new friends. He was active in the community and raised an impressive garden each year. In 2017, the couple moved to Morristown, New Jersey to be near family.
Wherever he lived, Dick’s love of God, service, and country continued as he took on various church roles and served as a Baptist deacon. Dick was a life member of the Monett American Legion and VFW and Lions Club member at Monett and Willard. Inspired by his grandmother, Dick was a proud Cherokee and supported many Native American causes.
His greatest role was being Papa to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved them with a passion and spent countless hours playing with them, rocking, teaching them to fish and play ball, and just watching them grow. Nothing gave him more pleasure than when their little arms reached out for him to hold them.
Dick was predeceased by his son Mike, his parents, and six siblings. In addition to his wife of 67 years, Wanda, he is survived by two daughters, Nita (Andy) Crighton of Morristown, NJ and Marsha (Richard) Tudor of Morgantown, WV; eight grandchildren, Ben Sanders of Spokane, WA; Joseph (Jessica) Sanders and Paul (Erin) Sanders of Flagstaff, AZ; Samantha (Justin) Spengler, Birmingham, AL; Brett (Wendy) Tudor of Statesville, NC; Katy (Ryan) O’Malley, Basking Ridge, NJ; Meg (Dave) Thompson, Millington, NJ and Steve (Annie) Crighton, Gillette, NJ; eight great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Keagan, and Madison Tudor; Luca and Maya Sanders; Rory and Kent Crighton; Finn O’Malley; and a new great-granddaughter expected in January, Abby Thompson. Dick is also survived by one sister, Alene (Gene) Swadley of Cassville, MO, and many nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be 11:00AM, Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Wesley Cemetery, Willard, MO.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St Joseph’s Indian School, P.O. Box 100, Chamberlain, SD 57325, 1-855-777-3433, or stjo. org/flowers.
Arrangements are under the direction of Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, 417-751-2522.
