Willard Sanders

Longtime farmer and Armstrong, MO resident, Willard Sanders, age 91, passed away peacefully at The Lodge in Fayette, MO on September 3, 2023.

Willard Carl Sanders was born February 19, 1932 in Chariton County, MO.  He was one of nine children born to the late Estel H. and Erna E. (Hartung) Sanders.  Willard attended the Vance one room school and Salem Lutheran grade schools and graduated from Glasgow High School with the class of 1950.  Following graduation, Willard enlisted with the U.S. Air Force and served his country as a Machinist, building and repairing aircraft during the Korean War.  While serving, Willard met the love of his life.  On February 8, 1956, he was united in marriage to Myrtle Louise Adsett at Kinley Air Force Base in Bermuda.  They had one daughter, Beverly, before Willard was discharged from the Air Force as a Staff Seargent and returning to Missouri to farm.  There he partnered with his brother Larry in farming operations and had 3 more children, Judy, Geoffrey, and Stephen.  The couple have enjoyed over 67 years of marriage.  Willard had a strong work ethic being a lifelong farmer.  He instilled that work ethic to his children and grandchildren.  When he was able, Willard enjoyed traveling, bowling and baseball.  He was in bowling leagues in the Salem Church, Glasgow, and Slater for many years, along with many tournaments around the mid-MO area. He played slow pitch softball for many years.  He coached little league and pony league baseball teams his sons played in.  He spent many nights hitting us pop-flys and grounders in our little ball field at home.  Willard was a family man and always enjoyed the time he was able to spend with his family.  He was a devout member to Salem Lutheran Church in Forest Green and an active member in the American Legion.

Willard farmed until his early 70’s, then turned over his farming operations to his son, Geoffrey, and grandson, Chris.  His other children all married and moved to other states, Beverly in Florida, Judy in Iowa, and Steve in Illinois.  Dad and Mom’s family grew to include 13 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, and continues to grow.

Survivors include his wife, Myrtle Sanders of Fayette, MO; four children, Beverly (Joseph) Mane, of Plant City, FL, Judy (James) West, of Madrid, IA, Geoff (Sandy) Sanders, of Armstrong, MO and Steve (Barbara) Sanders, of Hinckley, IL; 13 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; seven siblings, Marion (Ona Mae) Sanders, of Glasgow, MO, Carolyn (Fred) Biere, of Salisbury, MO, Larry (Nancy) Sanders, of Fayette, MO, Don (Myrt) Sanders, of Fayette, MO, Terry (Sandra) Sanders, of Fayette, MO, Ruth Ann Allen, of Glasgow, MO and Clifford (Linda) Sanders, of Holts Summit, MO.  He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and relatives.  In addition to his parents, Willard was preceded in death by a sister, Joyce Taylor and a grandson, Daniel West.

Visitation will be 5-7 PM, Friday, September 8, 2023 at Friemonth-Freese Funeral Home in Glasgow.  Funeral will be 10 AM, Saturday, September 9, 2023 at Salem Lutheran Church in Forest Green, MO with Pastor Noah Burgdorf officiating.  Burial will follow the service at Salem Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Salem Lutheran Cemetery Fund or Glasgow Legion Post 211, c/o Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service, 112 Market St., Glasgow, MO 65254.

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