Joe Sanders, 54, of Rockwood, IL, passed away quietly in his home on Monday, July 21, 2025, at 3:58 p.m., surrounded by his family.

Joe was born October 12, 1970, in Belleville, IL, to Michael D. and Sandra Kay Sanders. He was a 2001 graduate of Ranken Technical College in St. Louis, MO, with a degree in Industrial Maintenance Technology.

On June 22, 2002, Joe married Catherine (Cathy) Jinell Hyde at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Sparta, IL. Together they have one son, Zachary (Kennedy) Sanders of Orlando, FL, as well as two bonus sons, James Patton of Sesser, IL,
and Caleb (Kayla) Patton of Imperial, MO.

Joe worked for George Huffman and Sons Trucking in Gorham, IL, as a coal hauler, but that was only one of his many talents. He was also a certified welder, and earlier in life, a deckhand and mate on a riverboat. Over the years, he was truly a jack of all trades. Joe loved to talk and never met a stranger. He cherished spending time with his family and friends and enjoyed being outdoors. He was always on the go working, tinkering, or mowing. An avid sportsman, he was also a root digger and mushroom hunter who loved hiking, camping, hunting, and
fishing. He had many hobbies that consisted of guns, bows, offroading, motorcycles, and boating. Joe also treasured quiet moments relaxing with one or a few of his beloved family cats or grand-kittens curled up beside him.

Joe is also survived by his father, Michael D. Sanders of Rockwood, IL, his sisters: Angela (Robert) Dilday of Rockwood, IL, and Mellany (Daniel) Kieser of Smithton, IL; his half-brother Jeffrey Sanders of Centralia, IL; stepbrother Randall (Julia) Richards of St. Charles, MO; and stepsisters Tamara (Daniel) McIntosh of Pomona, IL, and Angela (Buddy) Eskew of Peoria, IL. He is further survived by his in-laws Lindsey L. Hyde of Willisville, IL, and Cindy Monroe of Steeleville, IL; and by special friends Kevin Russell of Murphysboro, IL, Pat Hartline of Murphysboro, IL, and Dale Johnson of Ava, IL.

He leaves behind many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins who will miss him dearly. Joe was preceded in death by his mother, Sandra Kay; his stepmother, Barbara Sanders; his half-brother, Michael Sanders; and his nephew, John Michael Dilday.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 11, 2025, 2:00 - 6:00 pm, at the Sanders residence in Rockwood, IL. Memorials may be made to Sandra's Comfort Care or St. Francis Animal Rescue and can be mailed to Wilson's Funeral Home, P.O. Box 277, Ava, IL 62907.