Richard Jay Sanders (1941-2020)

SANDERS, USHER, SUMMERS

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 7/16/2020 at 22:33:24

Richard Jay Sanders, 79 of Palo passed away Monday July 13, 2020 at Mercy Hospice House after a brief illness. Celebration of Life will be held Friday July 17 from 4 to7 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Palo. A Private family burial will be at a later date.
Richard is survived by his daughters, Shannon (Greg) Harvieux, Sheri (Dean Henley) Crighton, Christine Kelly, and Charley Sanders all of Cedar Rapids; his best friend and previous wife, June Sanders; grandkids, Spencer (Katie) Harvieux, Lauren (Quinton) Spicher, Zoey Crighton, Seth Crighton, Anna Kelly, and Andrew Oldorf; sister Darlene Squires and brother, Tom (Terry) Sanders.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Edward Lee Sanders and Robert Ray Sanders
Richard was born June 26, 1941 to Lawrence and Elsie (Usher) Sanders in Cedar Rapids. He graduated from Palo High School in 1959 and then enlisted in the Navy. He married June (Summers) Sanders on November 27, 1959; they later divorced in 1994 after having 4 wonderful daughters but remained best friends. After the Navy, Richard worked with the Linn County Sheriff’s department, was the Chief of Police for Palo, and did security for the Duane Arnold Energy Plant.
Richard was very proud of his volunteer work for the Palo Ambulance and Fire department. He was also a member of the American Legion 679 in Palo. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, drag racing, being on his motorcycle, and traveling.
The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Dr. Baustain from Mercy Hospital and Nurse Mikaylah who works on the 9th floor at Mercy Hospital.
The family asks that any flowers be sent to 1655 Progress Dr. Hiawatha, IA 52233 C/O Shannon Harvieux. Memorials may also be directed to the family.