Charles K. Sanders, 78, of Allendale, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at Meadowbrook Skilled Nursing and Rehab in Grayville, Illinois.

Memorial Service will be held Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Short-Cunningham Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Allendale Cemetery with full military rites.

Donations in Charlie’s memory can be given to Allendale Ruritan or Residential Hospice.

Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

He was born on October 10, 1946, in Princeton, Indiana to the late Kenneth and Martha Elizabeth (Gard) Sanders. He graduated from Allendale High School Class of 1964. He married Janet Sue Kirkman on October 15, 1966, in Mt. Carmel, Illinois at the First Christian Church. Charlie served in the U.S. Army 1966 and served from October 25, 1966, to October 25, 1968, in the 3rd Corp Co. A. 57th Signal Battalion.

Charlie retired from farming. He was dedicated to serving the community and his church. He was a lifelong member of First Christian Church in Allendale and served the church as an elder for fifty-two years. He served on Wabash County Fair Board for twenty-five years. He was a member of Allendale Ruritans and American Legion.

Charlie served Wabash County as a County Commissioner for eighteen years, serving as Chairman for twelve of those years. He was proud of his service and never missed a meeting. He was Road District #1 Clerk for forty-seven years and served on the Wabash Area Development Committee.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-eight years, Janet Sue Kirkman of Allendale; his son Timothy Charles (Trent) Sanders of Aspen, Colorado, brothers Gill (Kelly) Sanders, Harold Sanders, Garland (Nancy) Sanders of Allendale; mother-in-law Ruby Kirkman of Mt. Carmel; sister-in-law Janice (Sam) Palmer of Phoenix, Arizona; brother-in-law Kent Kirkman of Mt. Carmel; seven nephews, five great nephews, two nieces and three great nieces.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents.

Condolences may be sent to www.short-cunninghamfh.com

Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve the Sanders’ family.