John R. Sanders Jr.

John R. Sanders Jr., aged 77 years, of Morris, IL passed away peacefully at home on May 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. The oldest son of John R. and Jessie (Nelson) Sanders Sr., he was born on January 8, 1948 and spent most of his life in Morris, IL.
John graduated from Morris Community High School with the Class of 1966. He enlisted in the Army and served overseas during the Vietnam War on the island of Okinawa as a Satellite Communication Specialist.
John married the love of his life Patricia L. Dewey on February 1, 1969 and spent the first year of their marriage in Abilene, Kansas while he finished his tour in the Army before returning to Morris, IL for the remainder of their lives. Following his military service, John began a 35-year career with Illinois Bell/Ameritch/AT&T, retiring in 2007. He was known for his hard work, dedication, and impact on his colleagues and the community.
He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and Ad Altare Dei award and spent most of his adult years as a Scout Leader for Boy Scout Troop 472. He could often be found camping and hiking on the weekends/in summer with the troop and his fellow Scout leader, Dr. Terry Danek. He loved nothing more than to see the rambunctious boys mature into capable and responsible young men knowing he was part of their journey into adulthood as he shared his wisdom and life experiences. Throughout his Scouting career, John had the pleasure of leading Scouts on expeditions all over the United States and Canada. He was awarded several commendations and awards as an adult in Scouting, including the Award of Merit and the Silver Beaver.
John was a member of the First Baptist Church of Morris and enjoyed having long discussions with Pastor Steve Larson about anything and everything regarding the Scriptures. His love for the Lord and strong faith extended to serving as a chaplain for the American Legion Riders, Patriot Guard and Christian Motorcyclist Association, as well as volunteering in hospice care. John was especially honored to escort military members to their final resting place and to ensure dignity for over 2,000 homeless veterans by presiding over their burials. He was also part of a group of veterans who began creating wooden coffins to replace cardboard burial boxes for the homeless veterans who were unable to afford services, demonstrating his deep compassion and commitment to service.
Throughout his life, John had a multitude of interests that he pursued, including metal detecting, disc golfing, power walking, astronomy, and coin collecting. These hobbies allowed him to meet new people and share the experiences with his family. John loved spending time with his grandchildren and sharing life wisdom with them.
John was preceded in death by his loving wife, Patricia in October 2019, and both of his parents John R Sanders Sr and Jessie Nelson Sanders.
Surviving him are his children, Richard (Jean) Sanders of West Hastings, Minnesota, Jennifer (Keith) Smith of Morris and Scott Sanders of Morris; grandchildren – Sara (Thomas) McKinney, Donovan Smith, Sophie Sanders and Kane Sanders; great-grandchildren – Charlie (Charles), Callum and Dakota McKinney ; two brothers, Michael (Yvonne) Sanders of Morris and Kevin (Robin) Sanders of Williamsburg, VA ; one sister, Maureen Metzen of Bourbon, MO; one sister-in-law Sue (Eric) Sattersten, and several nieces and nephews.
A visitation for John will be held on May 17, 2025, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the First Baptist Church of Morris. A celebration of John's life will follow at 1:00 pm with Pastor Steve Larson officiating. Inurnment will be in Evergreen Cemetery where he will be laid to rest with full military honors next to his wife Patricia.
Donations in John's memory may be made to First Baptist Church Morris.
An online guestbook has been made for the family, where you may sign the guestbook, share memories and photographs. You can access this by visiting the website at www.ucdaviscallahan.com. Arrangements have been entrusted with U.C. Davis-Callahan Funeral Home, 301 W. Washington Street, Morris, IL.