Richard E. Sanders, Sr., 90, of Palacios passed away March 30, 2009. He was born July 4, 1918 in Palacios to the late C. D. and Beatrice Barbara Ellis Sanders. He was a member of the Palalcios First Baptist Church and served his country in the US Army during WWII. He has often been referred to as an upright, honest, compassionate Christian man.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Billie Sanders; sisters Helen S. Murphy & Clara Mae Kuehm and grandson Michael Jackson. Survivors include daughters Billie Ruth Jackson & husband Henry of Milano, TX and Mary Helen Johnson & husband Johnny of El Campo; son Richard E. Sanders, Jr. of Palacios; grandchildren Stacy Murrell & husband Michael, Sara Hymer & husband Tim, David Jackson & wife Janna; great grandchildren Heather & Ricky Murrell, Katherine Jackson, Marlie Hymer and Opie Jackson and great-great grandson Jonathan Murrell.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 6pm to 8pm Thursday at the funeral home. Funeral service will be 10:30 AM Friday, April 3, 2009 at the First Baptist Church with the Reverends Zach Nicholson, Hollas Hoffman, Louis Rush and James Collins officiating. Interment will follow at Palacios Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by Queen-Hamlin VFW Post 2467. Pallbearers will be David Jackson, Mike Murrell, Tim Hymer, Johnny Brady, Carrell Ramsey, Rob Kessler, Leo Neuszer and Donnie Harvey. The Deacons of the First Baptist Church and Members of the Truth Seekers Men's Sunday School Class will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church in Palacios or Friends of Elder Citizens; 705 Commerce; Palacios, TX 77465.