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J.W. Sanders Obituary
J.W. Sanders
September 21, 1937
February 19, 2026
J.W. Sanders, 88, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Born September 21, 1937, in Tennessee to Lawrence and Thelma Sanders of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, J.W. lived a life devoted to faith, family, education, and athletics.
He served as Professor of Physical Education at Eastern Illinois University from 1970 to 1998, where he was a respected coach and mentor. A lifelong passion for football led him to officiate in the Big Ten Conference and the NFL, and later serve as a Technical Advisor for the Mountain West Conference.
He is survived by his daughters, Lynn Cash (Skyler and Austin) and Mary Sanders (Eric Hamilton); sister Sandy Beardsley; grandchildren Krystan Tverberg (Blake and Rowen) and Krystopher Rowe. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Carol; daughter Catherine Rowe; grandson Nathanyal Rowe; his parents; and brother Bobbie Sanders.
Funeral Mass will be held March 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Colorado Springs. Donations may be made to Pikes Peak Hospice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Funeral services provided by:
Swan-Law Funeral Directors501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
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