Robert E. Sanders

Strawn – Robert E. Sanders, 75, of Strawn passed away at 5:40am, on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington.

Funeral services will be 10:30 am, Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Forrest; with Pastor David Castner officiating. Burial will follow the service with military funeral honors in Strawn Cemetery, Strawn. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation will be 4 to 7pm, Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Forrest. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to American Diabetes Association, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Forrest or the charity of the donor’s choice.

Mr. Sanders was born September 15, 1950 in Bloomington; the son of Verne and Dorothy (Johnson) Sanders. He married Debra Ferguson in 1987 in Pontiac. She survives in Fairbury. His parents preceded him in death.

Other survivors include two sons, Brad (Taylor) Sanders of Strawn; Blake (Raika) Sanders of Peoria; one brother, Richard Sanders of Forrest; two grandchildren, Colter and Cora Sanders of Strawn; and numerous cousins and extended family.

Robert served our country in the United States Marines as a Corporal during Vietnam. He was a member of the Forrest American Legion, Teamsters Union Local 179 and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Forrest. Bob drove truck for many years starting his career at Trainor Grain; then PRD Trucking. He spent nearly 30 years driving for Nussbaum Trucking in Normal. His large frame protected his large heart and quick-witted humor that will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.