Charles Sander remembered as kind, generous

The people who knew and loved Charles Sander are quick to highlight his generosity, kindness and willingness to help a neighbor in need.

Sander, who died Tuesday morning, was well-known in Southeast Missouri. He worked as the executive vice president of Coca-Cola Co. of Southeast Missouri until he was 85 years old. He was also a dedicated member of First Presbyterian Church, the Rotary Club of Jackson and the Tower Club.

His daughters remember him as a dedicated father.

Carol Rees, who spoke on behalf of her sisters, Cathy Sievers and Sharon Dreyer, said, "He loved us as good as any father could for almost 94 years. And we loved him back."

Rees said her father demonstrated his virtue at a young age when he gave up his job as a traveling salesman to help his father begin his hardware company, C.H. Sander Sales.

"My father had a generosity of heart that was very rare," Rees said.

Grant Gillard was Sander's pastor at First Presbyterian Church for 15 years. He visited Sander when he was in the hospital recovering from operations and said he was struck by his positive approach to life.

Gillard remembers that whenever Sander was presented with a difficult situation, he would often say, "It'll always get better."

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Cracraft-Miller Funeral Home in Jackson. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church or to the Presbyterian Children's Home.

astephens@semissourian.com

388-3654