Eugene "Gene" M. Sanders

Eugene (Gene) M. Sanders was lost to those who loved him on Sunday, December 13, 2020. Gene was a brother, husband, dad, grandpa, friend of many, electrician and volunteer extraordinaire. He was born to Archie R. and Mary O. (Broadstone) Sanders on December 27, 1945 in Bartonville, Illinois, where he attended and graduated from Bartonville Grade School and Limestone Community High School (1963). He was active in Boy Scouts and earned rank of Eagle Scout. It was at Limestone where he met the love of his life, Diana (Bunny) Sanders (Sudbrink), who survives. They just celebrated 54 years of marriage on December 3. Gene was an electrician, with IBEW Local 34, as well as, Local 51. Gene retired from Ameren in 2008.

Gene was a proud father of his four children, Mary Sanders, Gene K. (Angela) Sanders, Lori (Steve) Ward, and Kim Sanders (Chris Pula). He was also a loving grandfather to Tyler (McKenna) Ward, Samantha Ward (Josh Hoffman), Katelyn and Carter Sanders, and Josie and Nora Pula.

Gene is survived by his two brothers Bert (Pauline) Sanders and Don (Barb) Sanders including many nieces and nephews.

In his free time, Gene enjoyed watching any event his grandchildren were participating in, volunteering at Wildlife Prairie Park, gathering with friends and family, and taking trips with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Archie R. Sanders and Cyrus D. Sanders, and in-laws Karl and Evelyn Sudbrink.

Gene’s legacy of being a generous host and his boisterous voice and laugh will be remembered by all.

A celebration of his magnificent life will occur as soon as we can safely join together.

A private family service will be at Davidson-Fulton Bartonville Chapel on Friday, December 18th at 11:00 am followed with burial at Swan Lake Memory Garden. Live stream option will be available on the funeral home website.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to The Friends of Wildlife Prairie Park.