Harold Sanders

Harold Eugene (Gene) Sanders Gene Sanders, 75, passed away on November 9, 2019 with his family by his side. He was born November 5, 1944 in Alton Illinois, the third son of Richard Sanders and Bertha (Stolze) Sanders. The family moved to Renton in 1945. He grew up in the Renton Highlands where he attended elementary school at St. Anthony’s Catholic School. He graduated from Renton High School in 1964. Shortly after graduation his brother Don convinced him to join the Army. He did basic training at Fort Ord California and then was stationed in Germany for about 6 months. At that time they were building up forces in Vietnam and pulled a lot of troops out of Germany. Gene was lucky enough to get stationed at Fort Campbell Kentucky. During this time period, he enjoyed visiting Nashville on weekend leave. Christmas 1967 he came home to Renton and reconnected with Doris through his brother Ron and his wife Nancy. Gene and Doris were married in 1968 and raised their two daughters in Renton. He loved his two girls and enjoyed being involved in their activities. He coached the soccer team both of his daughters and niece played on for several years. He also enjoyed watching his many nieces and nephews, and later his grandchildren, participate in their sports, school and church activities. Gene always enjoyed traveling and camping as a family. They did several trips and he was always willing to go anywhere, anytime! He enjoyed family gatherings, woodworking, playing soccer and watching movies. In 2001, after 28 years of working at Tradewell Grocers and Associated Grocers, he retired. Three years later he and Doris moved to Olympia and began traveling in their RV. They tried to visit every state capitol, making it to 44 states and about half of the state capitols! In 2008, he was diagnosed with dementia. Even though the RV traveling days were over, they still did several other trips during the early stages of the disease. Dementia victims each have a different journey and the family just hangs on for the ‘ride’ never knowing what turn is next. During Gene’s battle with this disease he remained the gentle spirit and kind person he always was, having a smile for everyone. Sometimes he would tease or make you laugh even after he lost his ability to talk. As Gene progressed through the stages of dementia if Doris left the room he would always ask “Where is my wife?” if he did not see her, he was looking for her. He loved Doris so much. In the later stages of dementia Gene and Doris moved to Yakima to live near one of their daughters. Gene is survived by his wife Doris (Reed) Sanders of 51 years; daughters Dana (Jon) Stillwell, of Federal Way and Debi Gregory of Yakima, five granddaughters; Jessica, Sierra, Dezarae (Mike) Esparza, Denae, and Daysha; one step granddaughter, Dawnell; one step grandson, Daymon; one great granddaughter, Harlee Mae. He also has several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother, father and two brothers, Ron and Don. Memorial Service will be held Monday December 16th at 2:00 pm at the Tahoma National Cemetery 18600 SE 240th St. Kent, WA. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Harold Sanders, please visit our flower store.