Retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant Charles E. Sanders, Jr., 69, of Belleville IL, born August 10, 1955, in Los Angeles CA, passed away at home Thursday, October 3, 2024.
Charles joined the Air Force in 1973. He proudly served his country for over 25 years before retiring from active duty in 1998. He distinguished himself in several career fields including Weapons Maintenance, Supply Services, and Information Technology. He was perhaps most proud of the years he worked in Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD), and he earned the respect of the many heroes he worked alongside in this extremely dangerous mission. After his retirement from active duty, he continued to serve his country first as an Air Force contractor and then as an Air Force civilian until his final retirement in 2018. He made many significant contributions to the Air Force and received recognition at very high levels. One notable achievement was the award of Pacific Air Forces Small Computer Support Person of the Year in 1992. In his retirement years, he enjoyed a variety of pastimes, including computer gaming, geocaching, reading, and camping.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Sr. and Barbara, nee Thomas, Sanders; and a sister, Diane Sanders.
He was deeply loved and is mourned by his wife, Carol A., nee Munger, Sanders; a son, Cordell Sanders; a daughter, Alexis Sanders; daughter-in-law, Joy Sanders; four grandchildren, Jade, Hannibal, and Derrick; three sisters, Wanda Sanders, Belinda (Oris) Turner, and Brenda Glover, a brother, Gregory (Denise) Sanders; many nieces and nephews; and beloved pets, Mugsy, Clyde, Portia, Kato, Eliot, Vader, Lil Mae Mobley, and Harley.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to EOD Warrior Foundation at www.eodwarriorfoundation.org. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, October 10, 2024, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Burial with military honors will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.
Arrangements by George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
