Raymond Thomas Sanders

1923 - 2022

Raymond Thomas Sanders, 99 years old, died peacefully at his home Thursday, November 24, 2022. His parents were Raymond Winfield and Frances Thomas Sanders. His younger brothers are Richard, Blaine, and Michael Sanders.

Raymond was raised in Ogden, Utah. He attended Weber State College, enlisting mid-year at the age of 19 in the U.S. Army as a private during World War II. He ended his Army service as a Second Lieutenant with a battlefield commission as Captain. As a medic in the 2nd Battalion of the 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Division, he saw action in Italy, France, and Germany, culminating in the liberation of Berchtesgaden when the war in Europe ended. He was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star.

Raymond used the G.I. Bill of Rights to receive B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Utah, and a Ph.D. from Stanford University. He held a postdoctoral position at the University Of Uppsala in Sweden, then taught at Utah State University for more than 40 years. He loved his colleagues and his students, and being a teacher. He retired as Professor Emeritus of Cell Biology. He was the first director of the USU Honors Program, and active in assembling scientific materials for local elementary schools.

Raymond loved learning. In retirement, Raymond studied America's founding. His passion for the early history of America was inspired by a stint as a substitute high school history teacher while waiting to travel to Sweden. As a former soldier, he admired George Washington and those ragged young men who fought to establish a Nation. He knew German and Swedish, and studied Italian. He also studied drawing and pastels.

Raymond loved all kinds of music. He enjoyed singing cowboy songs and Mormon hymns. He played guitar, accordion, harmonica, and the harpsichord he built with his son Craig. He was a founding member of the Logan Chamber Music Society, and of Men's Poker Club, and a member of Logan Men's Club and Logan Fine Arts Club.

Raymond was married to Joan Allred; they later divorced. Their son is Raymond Craig Sanders (wife Abigail).

In 1972, Raymond married Roselena R. Jensen and became father to Wenlee Jensen and Lars Jensen (wife Anne). They lived in Logan, then moved to their farm in Richmond, Utah, where Raymond and Roselena lived for nearly thirty years. They expanded a four-room farmhouse with Raymond doing much of the finish work -- he built a shed with a greenhouse tower that he called "Old Main". At the farm, they loved meeting new neighbors, and entertaining family and their many friends. Raymond was a fine gardener and passionate sheep man. He enjoyed summers of baling hay, moving irrigation pipe, and the myriad chores of farming. Livestock included horses, ducks, geese, turkeys, chickens, fine sheep dogs, and a variety of cats. Raymond said he lived in the most beautiful place in Cache Valley.

Raymond and Roselena moved back to Logan in 2000, where they met many new friends and neighbors. This year, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with the joy of their three children, daughters in law, and grandchildren Charlotte, Nicholas (wife Emi), and Peter. Raymond was able to live at home in his last years thanks to the care of his former students Dr. Steven Salisbury and Dr. K.J. Nelson, and of CNS Hospice Care Nurse Robert Chandler and his colleagues.

Raymond was a friendly, easy-going soul -- a soldier, a scholar, and a gentleman. We miss him.

There will be a graveside service at Logan City Cemetery on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, at 12:00 noon.

On Saturday, June 24, 2023, we will hold an outdoor picnic memorial in Logan the day after Raymond's 100th birthday. All are invited to both.

Arrangements are under the direction of Allen-Hall Mortuary. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.allenmortuaries.com