Charles Sanders

Age 74 of Wilmington, Illinois, formerly of Joliet, Illinois, died peacefully on Friday, November 10, 2023, in Wilmington.

Born March 19, 1949 in Brookhaven, Mississippi, Charles Vernon was a son of Vernon and Floyce (Stewart) Sanders. He was raised in Joliet, attended Joliet East High School, and dedicated 28 years of his life to working as a maintenance technician at Joliet Junior College until his well-deserved retirement. Even after retiring, Charlie continued to contribute to his community through volunteer work. He generously devoted his time to Kuzma Care Cottage in Wilmington and was an active member of the Wilmington Lion's Club. Additionally, Charlie held memberships in various organizations such as the South Wilmington Firemen's Club, Lake Will, and Goose Lake area clubs.

Outdoorsmanship ran deep within his veins, finding great solace and joy in spending time amidst nature. Fishing and hunting were not just hobbies for Charlie but rather spiritual experiences that connected him to the world around him. However, his true passion lied in motorcycle rides on his beloved Indian Motorcycle. The wind beneath his wings on those rides brought Charlie immense happiness and a sense of freedom.

Charles is survived by his two daughters: Julianne (Mark) Stark of Braidwood, Illinois and Sherry Ann (Jeffery) Bostjancic of Elwood, Illinois; five grandchildren: Kiley Murphy, Lindsay Stark, Kaitlyn Stark, Jack Bostjancic, and Landan Bostjancic, and three great-grandchildren Khloe, McKenna, and Raynen; his brother Larry (the late Mildred) Sanders of Joliet, one nephew, Jerry Sanders, and one niece, Lisa Ledesma.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents Vernon and Floyce Sanders, one grandson, Alex Murphy, one great granddaughter, Penelope Rose, and one nephew, James "Gordo" Sanders.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington on Friday, November 17, 2023 from 4:00 PM until the time of funeral service at 7:00 PM. Interment will follow at Elmhurst Cemetery in Joliet on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 10:00 AM. Family and friends are encouraged to assemble at the chapel by 9:45 AM.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Charlie's memory to Kuzma Care Cottage in Wilmington.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Charlie's memorial page via social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Wilmington (815) 476-2181.