Howard Willis Sanders

Howard Willis Sanders of Steelville, MO was born on Monday, November 7, 1932 to Willis “Ray” Raymond Sanders and Selma Louise (nee Eckstein) Sanders.  He passed away at his home on Friday, January 14, 2022 at the age of 89 years, 2 months and 7 days.

Howard attended Daniels School in Crawford County.  He enlisted in the United States Army on February 5, 1953 where he served honorably until he was discharged on March 11, 1961.  He married the love of his life, Hester Marie Earney on December 12, 1956 and three children were born to this union.  Howard accepted the Lord as his personal Savior early in life and attended First Assembly of God Church in Steelville, MO.  He was a hard worker, working as a self-employed carpenter.   He loved working with his hands and enjoyed making ceramics with his wife, Hester, taxidermy, working with leather, and making knives.  He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and especially Sunday BBQs.  Most of all, Howard loved his family. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Willis “Ray” and Selma Sanders; parents-in-law Treff Sr. and Norma Earney; wife Hester Sanders; daughter Luecinda “Cindy” Moreland; siblings Dwayne (Betty) Sanders, Russel Sanders, Hazel (Raymond) Potter and Vernon Sanders; brothers-in-law Bob (Olga) Earney, Treff Earney, Jr. and Dusty Frank; sisters-in-law Alline (Isadore “Sody”) Finocchiaro, Vivian (Jack) Barr and Edna Earney; cousin Paul Sanders.

Howard is survived by his sons Keith (Michelle) Sanders of Steelville, MO and Kevin (Kimberly) Sanders of Cuba, MO; son-in-law Larry Moreland of Steelville, MO; grandchildren John (Nykki) Richards of Wichita, KS, Nathan (Lillie) Richards, Jessica Moreland, Tyler Sanders, Kayla Christopher (John Dane) and Jaime (Ryan) Evans all of Steelville, MO, Lennie Moreland, Elizabeth (Christopher) Freeman and Benjamin Sanders all of Sullivan, MO, Talisa (Jeff) Griefe of Beaufort, MO, Charles (Emily) Bone of St. Ann, MO, Brian (Ashley) Bone of Arnold, MO, Rachelle (Robert) Hebert, Jorden (Ariella)Backes and Jackalyn Backes all of Cuba, MO and Logan Burke of St. Louis, MO; brother Glen (Pat) Sanders of Springfield, MO; brothers-in-law Lloyd “Red”(Charlotte) Earney of Steelville, MO; sisters-in-law Esther Frank and Sandy Earney both of Steelville, MO and Shirley Sanders of Arnold, MO; 41 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Visitation was from 4:00 PM—6:00 PM on Monday, January 24, 2022 at First Assembly of God Church, Steelville, MO. Celebration of Life  immediately followed at 6:00 PM with Rev. Jerry Beers officiating.  The service was live streamed on Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, MO’s Facebook page at 5:55 PM.  The family chose cremation as his final disposition and will have a private burial at Steelville Cemetery with military honors.  Memorials were suggested to the Missouri Veteran's Home 620 N. Jefferson, St. James, MO 65559.

Arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, MO.

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