James Wesley ‘Wes’ Sanders 79, of Sedalia

Hannibal Courier-Post
May 05, 2010

Sedalia, MO — James Wesley “Wes” Sanders died May 4, 2010, at home in Sedalia, Mo. He was born July 17, 1930, (12th of 15 children) to Blanche Mae and Ernest Melvin Sanders.

He graduated in 1950 from Hannibal High school with honors in both academics and sports (All-Conference End-football, All-Conference and All-State track, All-Conference, All-State, and All-American in basketball). He was chosen as one of the top-20 best basketball players in the USA and signed a professional baseball contract in 1950 with The St. Louis, Cardinals.

Wesley enjoyed 34 years of teaching and 23 years of athletic coaching along with many years as a referee. He retired from the Sedalia School District in 1988. He was a member of the First Christian Church and served as a deacon and elder.

He was married June 8, 1951, to his high school sweetheart Gloria, who survives of the home. Besides his wife, he is survived by his four children, Sherry Rapert of Lodi, Calif., Kristy Yaffee of Hartsburg, Mo., James W. Sanders II and David Sanders of Springfield, Mo.; four grandchildren, Jamie Tray of Stockton, Calif., Whitney Sanders and Alex Sanders of Springfield, Mo., Brooke Sanders of Gunnison, Colo.; one great-grandchild, Ace Prestridge of Stockton, Calif.; and has five surviving siblings, Raymond Sanders, Gordon Sanders, Caroline Fletcher, Ernie Sanders, Harold Sanders and many nieces and nephews of Hannibal.

Wesley will be deeply missed by his loving family and friends and all who he met.

He is remembered by living out his faith in Jesus Christ and this simple quote “A stranger is a friend you haven’t yet met”.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the First Christian Church, the LLS or a charity of your choice, in care of McLaughlin Funeral Chapel, 519 S. Ohio, Sedalia, MO 65301. Condolences may be offered online at www.mclaughlinfuneralchapel.com.