Michael Ray Sanders

Michael Ray Sanders, 65, of Atkinson, joined his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family.  A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 27, 2021, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel.  Pastor Nick Billiet will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 26, 2021, at the funeral home. Per Michael’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded following the services.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.

Michael was born on July 21, 1956, the son of Ernest and Barbara (Brix) Sanders, in Waterloo, IA. On October 25, 1980, he married Debbie Willard.  He was employed as a commercial truck driver for Matt Stookey Trucking, contractor of FedEx.  Michael was a devoted disciple of Christ and enjoyed sharing the love of Jesus with others.  He was a member of New Life Fellowship Church in Geneseo, IL.  He loved all his books, and especially loved reading the Bible.  He was an avid Dallas Cowboy fan, had a passion for exercising, and being outdoors.  Mike loved to travel and enjoyed walking the beaches of Florida and hiking the mountains of Colorado.  He was a very charismatic person and enjoyed meeting and talking with everyone.

Those left to cherish his memory include his mother, Barbara Jean Sanders, Davenport, IA; loving wife, Debbie Sanders, Atkinson, IL; sons, Kris (Heather) Oswald, Davenport, IA, and Derek (Kim) Sanders, Ankeny, IA; daughters, Trisha (Josh) Keel, Illinois City, IL, and Kelsey (Tyler) Mickelson, Davenport, IA; grandchildren, Kuirsten, Landen, Jack, Sarah, Gabby, Addy, and Jed; brothers, Gary (Dawn) Sanders, Davenport, IA and Ed Sanders, Bettendorf, IA; sisters, Vicki (Rich) Ingle, Davenport, IA, and Jan (Rick) Eaton, Eldridge, IA.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest.