Michael "Tony" Sanders

He was born in Auburn on February 7, 1940, the son of Frank and Angeline (Foley) Sanders. Tony married Sharon Richards in Springfield on October 30, 1981.

Tony proudly served the country in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Antietam (CVS-36) from July 24, 1957-January 30, 1961. Tony was a member of the American Legion of Mason City and a lifelong member of AMVETS of Greenview. He enjoyed hunting, working on his yard, old country music, and singing. Tony was a good husband and enjoyed being with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Richard and Harold Sanders; sisters, Angeline and Elizabeth; and step-daughter, Lisa Dyer.

Tony is survived by his wife, Sharon; daughters, Michelle Panza, Marielle Sanders, and Julie (Bruce) Lair; step-children, Paul Dyer II, Trisha Courier, Barbara (John) Dyer-Stone, and Kelly Ruddy; siblings, Doris (Mel) Carey and Delores (John) Joplin; and several nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Family-hosted Memorial Gathering and Memorial Ceremony: Family will receive friends at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 28, 2024, at Hope Presbyterian Church, 2211 Wabash Ave., Springfield, IL. Memorial Ceremony will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Chuck Goodman officiating.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home - Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.

Please visit www.butlerspringfield.com to offer your condolences.