William E. Sanders

WASHINGTON?William E. Sanders, 85, of Washington, passed away at 11:28 a.m., Sunday, March 22, 2015 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Bill was born on April 16, 1929 in Herrin, Illinois to James and Juanita (Butler) Sanders. He married Grace Wargo in Zeigler, Illinois on January 3, 1953. Grace passed away on March 2, 1989 in Peoria. Among those surviving are three sons, David (Steve Thurman) Sanders and Tom (Kathy) Sanders, both of Peoria and Matthew Sanders of Washington; one grandson, 2nd Lt. Keith (Natalie) Sanders and a one week old great grandson, Cameron Everett Sanders. Bill retired from the Washington Post Office where he had been a mail carrier for over 29 years. Prior to working at the Post Office, he had spent 13 years working for Caterpillar. He was a veteran of the Korean War, where he served in the United States Army and upon discharge had earned the rank of corporal. In keeping with his love of his country, he helped start the Walker-Danforth VFW Post #9016 in Washington. Over the years Bill served as the commander of the local post many times and had also served as commander of the Tazewell County VFW in the past. Bill was also a member of St. Patrick?s Catholic Church in Washington. Funeral services for Bill will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Mason-White Funeral Home with Father Steve Willard officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memory Gardens, south of Washington where military rites will be accorded. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 9 a.m. to time of service on Thursday. Memorials for Bill may be directed to either St. Patrick?s Church or American Cancer Society. Online condolences to the family may be made at masonfuneralhomes.com