Edward Lee "Eddie" Sanders, age 88, of Charleston, MO, died Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the Mercy Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau, MO.

Born October 21, 1936, at Campbell, MO, to the late Benjamin Franklin Sanders and Linda Mae Blevins Sanders, he was a graduate of Wardell High School.  Shortly after high school graduation, Eddie joined the U.S. Air Force and after his service to his country, he returned to Southeast Missouri where he lived most of his life in the Charleston area.   For a number of years, he was employed with Tetra Pak in Sikeston and later MACO Management until his retirement at age 82.  Eddie was proud of his service to his country and participated in memberships at Charleston V.F.W., the Sikeston Eagles Club and the Sikeston American Legion.

He was first married to Dorthea Ruth Bryers who preceded him in death. He later married Doris M. Hinkle Coffer, who also preceded him in death.

Surviving is his daughter, Karen (Mike) Hovey; his grandchildren, Michael Hovey, Krystal (Cody) Scott, Wendi (Brandon) Chidester, Amber (Adrian) Van Dam and Megan (Kyle) Morrow; several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; as well as nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his wives and parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Thomas Edward Sanders, his brother, Johnny Sanders and his sisters, Edna Ryan, Virginia Warren and Lois Horn.

Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until the funeral hour at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston.  Rev. Dean Wallace will officiate.

The U.S. Air Force and the Missouri Military Funeral Honors program will begin the service with full military honors.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.