Larry A Sanders' Obituary
Larry A. Sanders, 84, died on Jan. 23, 2026 in O’Fallon, Illinois, surrounded by family and friends. Larry was born March 31, 1941 in Otterville, Missouri and lived a full and active life, creating special relationships with those who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Rose Sanders, an infant son, Jeffrey Sanders, a daughter, Patricia Howard, a brother, James Sanders, his parents, Norman A. Sanders and Pearl Kuykendall, and his stepfather, John Kuykendall.
He is survived by children Norman Sanders (wife Chris) of Millstadt, Ill., John Sanders (wife Lisa) of Raymore, Mo., Paul Sanders (wife Julie) of Ballwin, Mo., and son-in-law Chuck Howard of Dupo, Ill. Other survivors include 10 grandchildren - Kyle Sanders (wife Lauren), Ashley Lifritz (husband Ben), Danielle Hewitt (husband Chris), Nicole Howard (fiancée Josh Schreckengaust), Brittany Ramirez (husband Jason), Allen Sanders (partner Kristin Torkelson), Johnny Sanders and Abigail Sanders, Connor Sanders and Allison Sanders, along with nine great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Known for his remarkably strong work ethic and dedication to his family as a devoted father, grandpa and great-grandpa, Larry worked for the Missouri Pacific Railroad (later Union Pacific Railroad) for 42 years before retiring in 2002. He originally worked as a carman and later became a welder and inspector in the yard and car repair shop in Dupo, Ill. During that time he was elected treasurer of the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen, a job he held for 18 years. He began working for the railroad in 1960 in Sedalia, Mo., but later was transferred to Dupo. After retiring, he also spent time as an investigator for a local railroad attorney.
Larry served on the Prairie Du Pont Volunteer Fire Department for several years, eventually becoming Assistant Chief before retiring. At various times his other workplaces included Lamy’s Levi-Strauss, Co., Swift’s Packing House and Archia’s Seed House (all in Sedalia, Mo.), and local farms, but also the Millstadt Senior Center Meals on Wheels program, gas stations and even a go-kart track.
Larry and Rose met at a roller-skating rink while attending Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Mo. They were married Oct. 1, 1960 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Rose’s hometown of Fonda, Iowa.
At various times throughout their life, Larry and Rose lived in Sedalia, Mo., several locations in Dupo and eventually in Millstadt, Ill. before relocating to Keystone Place at Richland Creek in O’Fallon, Ill. Through the years they had four children, losing a fifth at birth in November 1964.
A simple man with simple tastes, Larry truly enjoyed family time, fishing, gardening, country music and history. As his children grew, Larry became active in their lives by helping coach Khoury League baseball and was involved in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts activities along with Sacred Heart Church in Dupo.
He and Rose enjoyed playing games, visiting with friends and attending musical concerts during their time at Keystone, with Larry leaving a lasting impression on residents and staff alike.
His courageous battle against numerous health issues included two cancer diagnoses and the loss of much of his vision. Through it all he never complained, accepted each challenge with grace, humility and dignity, and fought hard with an incredible pain tolerance despite numerous medical roadblocks to maintain his strong quality of life.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Family Hospice in Belleville, Ill. and the Activity Center at Keystone Place in O’Fallon, Ill.
Visitation: Friends may call from 10 a.m. – noon Saturday, Jan. 31 at Leesman Funeral Home, 7 E. Mill St. in Millstadt, Ill. A prayer service will be held at noon that day at Leesman Funeral Home in Millstadt with Rev. Paul Wienhoff officiating. Burial will follow at Ss. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Waterloo, Ill.
Special thanks to the caregivers at Keystone Place at Richland Creek and Family Hospice.
Arrangements were handled by Leesman Funeral Home.
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