Charles Edward Sanders

Charles Edward Sanders, 81, of Gallipolis, went home to the Lord on Friday, August 23, 2013 at his residence. He was born on December 7, 1931 in Ironton, Ohio to the late Wilfred and Lillian Henthorn Estes. On June 26, 1938, Charles along with brothers, sister and their father’s world was turned upside down. Charles, his brothers Ray & Ralph, his sister Lois, Dottie, Glenna Eileen, their mother Lillian were in a bad wreck. The children’s mother and baby sister were killed as they were riding home from church. Later the children were separated; Dottie and Charles came to Mercerville to live with Edgar and Maude Sanders. Even though they were separated the love these children had for each other stayed strong; no matter the miles that separated them. Charles loved both his Estes and his Sanders families. Charles married Shelby Jean Facemire on August 23, 1958 in Northup, Ohio by Rev. Earl Cremeans. Shelby his wife of 55 years survives along with daughter Diana (Philip) Glass and son Charles “Chuck” (Crystal) Sanders, Jr.; grandchildren Zachary (Sabrina) Glass, Tarra Geiger, Xavier Lewis, great grandchildren Andre “Dre” Geiger III, and Aryanna Glass, Brothers Ray (Freda) Estes and Ralph (Nancy) Estes, brothers-in-law Paul (Sherry) Facemire, Gene (Nickie) Facemire and Derry Adams, sisters-in-law Judy Reynolds,, and Shirley (Charlie) Bailey and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his foster parents, a daughter Kelly Ward, Brother Roy Lee Estes, Sisters Lois Fletcher, Dottie Adams and Glenna Eileen Estes. Charles was United States Veteran, serving both in the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy. He worked at Kaiser Aluminum, Ravenswood Aluminum, and Century Aluminum for 36 ½ years. He was a member of the United States Steel Workers of American Local 5668; life-time member of Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 4464. Charles loved watching Chuck and Xavier race at the Kanawha Valley Drag Way. Funeral services will be 1 pm Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at Willis Funeral Home with Evangelist Leland Allman and Pastor Bob Wiseman officiating. Entombment will follow in the Chapel of Hope Mausoleum at Ohio Valley Memory Gardens. Friends may call on Monday, August 26, 2013 at Willis Funeral Home, from 6-8 pm. Military services will be given at the cemetery by the Gallia County Funeral Detail. Please visit www.willisfuneralhome.com to send e-mail condolences.