John E. Sanders Jr., 77, Imperial

John E. Sanders Jr., 77, of Imperial died July 14, 2022, at his home. Mr. Sanders graduated in 1962 from Poplar Bluff High School and then moved to Arnold and served in the U.S. National Guard until 1970. He worked for Chrysler Automotive for 34 years until his retirement in 1999. He spent retirement traveling and spending time with his family. He enjoyed watching sports, especially his grandchildren’s sporting events. Born Sept. 20, 1944, in Compton, Calif., he was the son of the late Elizabeth (Elder) and John Sanders Sr.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years: Shirley; a son: Jeff (fiancee Bridget Shannon) Sanders of De Soto; a daughter: Stacey (Chad) Thier of Dubuque, Iowa; four grandchildren: Tyler (fiancee Brittany Mills) Smreker, Kaden and Carlie Sanders, and Malin Thier; a great-grandchild: Kash Smrekerl two sisters: Betty (Don) Robertson and Evelyn (Larry) McCallister; and many other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by a sister: Lois Oneda Schenewerk.

Funeral services were held July 15 at Heiligtag-Lang-Fendler Funeral Home in Arnold. Burial was in Shepherd Hills Cemetery in Barnhart. Memorials may be made the donor’s local school athletics fundraisers. Arrangements are under the direction of Heiligtag-Lang-Fendler Funeral Home.