Graveside inurnment services for Richard Morgan Sanders Jr., 64, Lawrence, will be at 11 am Tuesday at Memorial Park Cemetery, with the Rev. Robert Leiste officiating. Social distancing and masking will be observed. Richard died unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, Sepember 23, 2020.
He was born June 14, 1956, in Corsicana, Tex., the son of Richard Sr. and Wanda Westbrook Sanders. He graduated from Kaufman, Tex. high school and later earned both a bachelor’s degree in marine biology and a master’s degree in fisheries science from Texas A & M University. He began working for the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, & Tourism at Clinton Lake in 1983, and held that position until his death. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his grandkids. He was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church.
He married Regina Waters on December 21, 1980, in Kaufman. She survives of the home. Other survivors include a daughter, Allison Carnagie and husband Brent, Eudora; his mother, Wanda Sanders, Kaufman, Tex.; a sister, Kimberly Scott and husband Donny, Blooming Grove, Tex.; a brother, Justin Sanders and wife Deirdre, Mobile, Ala.; and three grandchildren, Houstyn, Myric, and Lane. He was preceded in death by his father, and a son Travis Morgan Sanders.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Carnagie Children’s Educational Fund, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.
A great guy and a real professional. What a loss for his family, for KDWPT, and for Kansas fisheries. Sincere condolences to the family.
Oh dear Allison…I just heard about your dear Dad. AM so sorry and send you huge hugs and prayers for God’s comfort and His peace!
Regina and Allison, I wish I could share words with you to ease your grief right now but I know I can’t. Please know you are both loved by so many and are being lifted up our prayers!!
Regina ,
I am so so so sorry to hear about Richard , every time I saw him at the office I enjoyed our conversation, even though it was always brief he made me feel special, always have a kind word to say or story to share and Most importantly would always have a smile on his face . I do hope all the special memories you shared will get you through this difficult time .
Our condolences to you, Regina and Allison. Saddened by this news. Our thoughts are with you and the family at this time.
The Barland Family
Richard came to Haskell University every semester for years to speak to students about choosing a career and what a career in wildlife management was like. He was always a favorite speaker. Students appreciated his wisdom and advice. He will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
Mrs. Sanders, We haven’t met; however I wanted to tell you tell you what a deep influence your husband had on my son. Ian was to have worked part-time with Richard this fall,having worked for him several summers previously. I am most grateful that my son
had the chance to know and work with your husband. My deepest condolences to you and your.
Eric and I moved in next door to the Sanders Family in 1989. They were our first experience of having neighbors and we couldn’t have been more blessed to have landed next dirt to them. My memories of Richard include his infectious smile and kind heart. Of course his old Bronco that he still was driving then to work everyday. He helped us catch many “critters” on our property and gave great southern advice. Our hearts goes out to all the Sanders Family.
Regina, Our hearts break for you and your family. We pray for God to give you comfort and will hold you in our thoughts and prayers. Much love and hugs!
I had the honor of knowing Richard through his work with KDWPT and he was indeed one of the kindest people I’ve worked with – he always had a smile and a kind word for you. The room always felt a little lighter and kinder when he walked in. I’m terrible sorry for your loss – and ours – sending prayers and peace in the days ahead.
I first met Richard when I worked as a fisheries aid for Leo Dowlin for three summers in the mid-80’s while attending KSU. I had the opportunity to visit with him occasionally over the course of the next several decades while working for the same agency. Richard was truly a pleasant and friendly man and a wealth of fisheries information. After any conversation with Richard it was as if he’d been a close, life-long friend as his thoughts and information were genuine. My family’s thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones. He will be missed by many.
To the Sanders family, My condolences for the loss of Richard. I had the pleasure of getting to know him as I stocked fish for him in North East Kansas for the last several years. He will be missed. My prayers for Richard and his family.
I worked with Richard at Clinton Lake and always appreciated his wisdom, willingness to help, and soft spoken kind demeanor. I am saddened by his sudden passing. Prayers for his family during this sad time.
I am remorseful and sympathetic for your loss. Richard gave me my first job in the fisheries profession in 2007. It is, in large part, because of him that he and I became colleagues these past few years as I am now a fisheries biologist within the same agency. He taught me a lot, but mostly his kindness, generosity, and inability to get caught up in things beyond his control were admirable. Richard was a colleague, a mentor, a friend. Richard went to work, didn’t chatter too much about outside noise, but when he talked, people listened. I admire that. He will undoubtedly be missed. So sorry to the family for this loss.
Regina, I am so sorry for your loss! May God comfort you during this very difficult time.
Dearest Regina, I know how devastated you must be! I am so very sorry for your loss. I pray that God provides you with some comfort and peace.❤️
Regina, so very very sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Regina, our heart goes out to you. I cannot even begin express how deeply sad we are for you. We pray for God’s comfort and we will hold you, your daughter, and precious grandchildren in our thoughts and prayers. Love and hugs!
Regina, Allison and family – sending our deepest condolences.
Regina, We are so sorry to hear of Richards passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. May he RIP.
I’ve enjoyed working with Richard for years. Richard was a great guy. I knew if he did anything it was correct. I was lucky to have him as a friend.
I got know Richard when I worked at Clinton. I told him more than once what an incredible work ethic he had. He was one of the finest people I’ve ever met. I was saddened to hear of his passing. God rest his gentle soul.
Dear Regina and family there are no words to express our sorrow in hearing of your loss. So nice to read how this quiet and gentle person influenced so many people’s lives. We were so fortunate to know Richard. May he rest in peace.
We are deeply saddened to learn of Richard’s passing.
He is among the rare people which have enriched my life simply by entering it and indeliably leaving his mark.
Know that you, Regina and Alison, are never far from our thoughts.
Sanders family…I am very saddened to hear of Richard’s passing and my prayers and sympathy are with you. I worked with Richard as his fisheries aide in the early part of 1990 and he was influential as a mentor to pursue my environmental science degree. He will be so missed…A most affable, kind and genuine person you could ever meet. Fish on…Richard RIP you had a great influence on me…
Oh Regina
I’m so sorry to hear this. My heart breaks for you and your family!
I admired and liked Richard so much.
Prayers and thoughts go up for you❤️
Donita Bouton
I learned so much working for Richard for many years as well as owe my current career choice to him and I wish I could tell him thank you for that. He was the best and I’m so sorry for your loss. RIP
Regina and Allison and family my prayers are with you all at this time ,may your memories help comfort you, keeping you in my thoughts, I remember how he always had a big smile on his face when he came to pick the kiddos up, and they was so excited to always see him.
Regina and Allison,
We are so deeply saddened to her about the loss of Richard. Our prayers are with you both during this difficult time. Richard was such a sweet and kind man and I know you will miss him dearly.
Much love,
Keith and Chris White
Regina, Allison and family – we are so sad to learn of Richard’s passing. May the Lord give you strength for each moment. May you feel the love from family and friends. Sending big hugs. Rick and Lorie Sawyer
Regina and Family… I was so sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. Prayers for comfort and strength during this difficult time.
I still can’t find the words that could maybe provide a little comfort for you and your family, Regina. I will be there for you in the weeks and months ahead.
Regina, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I will keep your family in my prayers.
Regina, Allison and family,
Our hearts are broken in the loss of Richard. We can’t explain why you both have had to go thru such horrible losses. We pray for God to give you strength you don’t know you have and carry you thru this most difficult time. We love you and are here for you!!
We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers .
Richard was a very kind man with a big heart.
He will most definitely be missed.
Know that you are all in my prayers and always in my heart. Regina, I love you my friend. I am so very sorry.
Sorry to learn of Richard’s passing. We hope you and Allison find strength and peace during this tragic time. If we can help you in anyway, give us a call.
Regina and Allison,
We can’t express how terribly sorry we are for the loss of your husband and your father. Richard was such an incredible man. We are praying for your entire family. We love you guys.
So sorry, Regina. Praying for you at this extremely difficult time.
Please know that you have my deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband and that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this tragic time.
Regina and family,
My prayers and heart are with you. Botchie was a great man, and I know you will miss him. Loving you from Oklahoma.
Regina and Allison, I am really praying for you both. I don’t know why you must have such heartbreak. I’m so sorry. Praying God will be near you both and wrap you in His loving arms.
We are so very sad to hear of Richards passing. What a wonderful man and a strong person, prayers are with you Regina and your family
Regina, I’m praying for you and your family. Sending you love.
Family- my deepest sympathies to you. I knew Richard at Kaufman Methodist Church and in high school. I always thought highly of him and enjoyed Methodist Youth trips with him and his brother Justin. My prayers are with you. RIP Richard.
Regina, Allison and family-we are thinking of you and remembering what an exceptional, kind and caring man Richard was! Love you!