William "Bill" Sanders passed away Sunday, May 14, 2022 at his home with family by his side. He was the son of Lewis and Wilda (Cook) Sanders born December 1, 1941.

Bill graduated from Lafayette High School with the class of 1959 In St. Joseph, Missouri where he participated in athletics, earning varsity letters in football, basketball, and track. He received a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree at Northeast State Teachers College (Truman State University).

He taught and coached at Kirksville R-lll School District for over 30 years; Union Star, MO and Eldora, Iowa. He was an early Director of the Kirksville YMCA before they had permanent facilities. He assisted at the Diagnostic Clinic in recreation activities for the youth for several years after school hours and summers.

Bill served as a past president of Kirksville Retired Teachers. He was a 50-year member of Kirksville Masonic Lodge #105 where he held many offices including Masonic Home Representative and was Master of Lodge, longtime member of York Rite, member of El Kadir Shrine. He was a 50-year member of First Christian Church of Kirksville where he served in many capacities as Elder, Moderator. Bill served 24 years on the board of directors of Adair County Rural Water District #1.

He is survived by his wife, Dollene Sanders, of 59 years; daughter Kelly and her husband James Donley (grandchildren Christine Fibelkorn and Grant Donley); son David Sanders and his wife Carol (grandchildren Zackary Sanders and Jessica Dunn) of the Kansas City area; one sister Patricia Babb of Savannah, Missouri; numerous cousins, nephews and nieces; and one sister-in-law Lynne (Dale) Loyd.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, sisters-in-law Debra Huffman and Donna Newport: and a niece Amy Newport.

He enjoyed wood working, reading, working around his wooded home with his large pet dogs. He had a wonderful sense of humor, a quick wit and smile, genuinely appreciated people, was kind, helpful and protective of family.

Public visitation will be held Sunday, June 5, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., with a Masonic service at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home.

A celebration of life will immediately follow the Masonic service, with Pastor John Dungan presiding.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Bill Sanders may be made to First Christian Church or the Salvation Army. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.