Lawrence Richard Sanders SR.

Lawrence R Sanders, age 87, of Beecher, Illinois formerly of Momence, Illinois Passed away at HCA Citrus Memorial Hospital, Inverness, Florida on Sunday, January 5, 2025, with his wife and children by his side. He is survived by his loving wife, Cora Ruthann (Dexter) Sanders, whom he married on June 17, 1961. Other survivors include their children, Larina Sanders of Crete, Illinois and Lawrence Jr. (Sherry) Sanders of Cedar Lake, Indiana. Grandchildren - Daniel Sanders, Heather (Jacob) Reynolds, and Lawrence III *(goes by the name of Lauren) all of Cedar Lake, Indiana. two Great Granddaughters – Skylar Sanders of Cullom, Illinois and Brookelynn Reynolds of Cedar Lake, Indiana. Also, Sisters-in-law: Betty Sanders of Bourbonnais, Illinois, Jackie Dexter of Piper City, Illinois, and Catherine (Louis) Mombrun of Wilmington, Illinois, Brothers-in-Law: Robert (Judy) Dexter Momence, Illinois, Ronald Dexter of Brownwood, Texas, Thomas (Kathy) Dexter Bourbonnais, Illinois, Eleven Nieces and Nephews, 18 Great Nieces and Nephews and 2 Great Great Nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents Harry Charles and Emma Rose Sanders, 2 sisters: Virginia Sanders and Audrey Sanders as well as his brother LeRoy Sanders all of Momence, Illinois, multiple aunts, uncles, & friends Lawrence was born April 16, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from Momence High School, Momence, Illinois and while he didn’t have a college degree he had many college credits. He was employed by Ameritech Phone Company formerly Illinois Bell Telephone Co. for 40 years’ beginning as a Lineman, retiring as Outside Plant Engineer. He was a former weekend relief Policeman for Beecher, Illinois and when licensed in Real Estate was employed by Premier Real Estate, Ltd., Beecher, Illinois A gentle, non-confrontational man who loved his family and his country. In 1958 he volunteered for the draft and served 2 years in the US 5th Army, 18 months of which were spent in Berlin, Germany as a member of the Occupational Forces. Upon discharge from the Regular Army, he spent 20 years in the Active Reserves, retiring in December 1980 with the rank of Sargent First Class (E7). Lawrence was an avid camper, he enjoyed Square Dancing, bowling, playing cards & table games, watching TV (especially game shows), and eating ice cream! He was actively involved in his church, community and multiple organizations. He was a member of St. Luke United Church of Christ, Beecher, Illinois Elder, Past Council Trustee, and Past Council President. Deeke-Ohlendorf AMVETS Post #67, Beecher, Illinois: Life Member, Past Commander, Vice Commander, and Finance Officer, Bylaws Committee chairperson STATE OF ILLINOIS AMVETS: Past Commander, Jr. and Senor Vice Commander, Provost Officer, and Past Finance Officer, was a current member Service Foundation. Berlin United States Military Association (BUSMA) Life Member Beecher Chamber of Commerce: Past President Illinois Telephone Company Pioneers Life Member Club – Indian Trails Chapter Past President and Treasurer National Square Dance Campers (NSDCA) Past National Board of Directors Member – Past National Treasurer, National Vice President and Past Co-President. Illinois State NSDCA Association Past President, was current Illinois State Representative to National NSDCA Illiana Square Wheelers Chapter #044 of NSDCA Square Dancing Club: Past President, was current Treasurer Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA), Illini Chapter: was current Chapter President, Past National Director and Past President of Beecher Sportsman’s Club. Past member of Kankakee Bowling Association Board of Directors and Kankakee Highnoon Toastmasters Club. Memorials can be made to AMVETS Post #67 Scholarship Fund or St. Luke Church. Hack-Jensen Funeral Home, Beecher, Illinois was in charge of arrangements