Charlie Vernon Sanders, Sr.

Charlie graduated Central High School (1940) and married Leona June 5, 1941. Together they had 2 children: Charlie V. Sanders Jr. (1/4/1943) and Kathleen (7/7/1944).

Charlie was drafted to the Army on April 7, 1944 as a private in WW11. He completed basic training at Fort Joseph T Robinson, AR. He was then placed in the 28th Infantry Keystone Division, serving on the front lines in Luxenberg before the Battle of the Bulge. He received an Honorable Discharge July 12, 1945.

Charlie graduated from Purdue University June 1950 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering Industrial Option. Charlie taught Mechanical Drawing, Descriptive Geometry and Machine Design at Evansville College. Charlie enjoyed activities including swimming, Boy and Girl Scouts being a leader, and traveling with his family.

Charlie and Leona attended Olivette Presbyterian Church serving as an Elder. He was also a 32nd Degree Freemason for 60 years.

In 1975, Charlie and Leona entered the childcare ministry in Columbus, MS, serving as house parents for Boys at Palmer Home for Children for 5 years. In 1981 they founded the Care Cottage home for girls in Ellisville, MS. The boys and girls all new him as “Papa Charlie”.

While in Ellisville, MS they were faithful members of Salem Heights Baptist Church serving in many ways for 35 years.

Charlie at his request donated his body as an anatomical gift to Boonshoft School of Medicine Wright State University. Charlie’s desire was to be useful even in death so others could research and learn.

Proceeded in death by his loving parents, Walter Sanders (1892-1950) & Mary Grace Matilda O’Bryan (1886-1952); Love of his life, Leona Rose Groben (1923-2000); Son Charlie V Sanders Jr (1943-2023); Daughter Kathleen Rose Grosvenor (1944-2020); grandson Michael Wayne Grosvenor (1964-1997) and great grandson Michael Wayne Jr. (1989-2017).

Survived by his brother Walter Russell Sanders (103); daughter Carol Ann Sanders; Grandchildren Susan (Dobie) Dobrzanski; Charlie (Michelle) Sanders 111; Teresa (Steven) Quick; Lisa (John) Burnham; Foster children Jeoffrey (Charo)Brady; Amy (Tucker) McDill; Their children, Jeoffrey Jr; Daniel; Joshua; Mary Brady; Matthew; Conner and Colston McDill. Great Grandchildren Janell (Josh)Embry; Jennifer (AJ) Moit; Cody (McKensie) Sanders; David (Cylee) Stuckmeyer; Alissa (Nate) Hobi; Alaina Burnham; Andrew Quick; David Quick; Cloee Burnham; Anna Quick; Jay Burnham and Amanda Eddy. Great Great Grandchildren Riley, Tatyana, Charlie Ann, Jordan, Boaz, Leona, Stephanie, Lucy, Jane, Aiden, Oliver and Hayzel.

A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Park Lawn Cemetery, 1526 S. Green River Road, Evansville, IN 47715 with full military honors.

Until we meet again you are always in our hearts.

Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.