Edwin Sanders, age 76, of Newton, Illinois, passed away Wednesday afternoon, September 3, 2025, at his home.

      He was born March 17, 1949, in Taylorville, the son of Howell and Annabelle (Louis) Sanders.  He was united in marriage to Susan Christine Hilliard on September 30, 1977, in Olney, and together they have shared almost 48 wedding anniversaries.

      Ed was a graduate of Vandalia High School and went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army as a helicopter pilot in the 1^st Calvary Division during Vietnam.  After his service, he worked as a heavy equipment operator with the Local 520 and the Illinois Department of Transportation.  Ed was a proud member of the Bluford American Legion Post 1193 and the Newton VFW Post 7537.  He loved the outdoors—whether it was hunting, fishing, or camping—and he always looked forward to a good cruise boat tour.  Most of all, he never turned down the chance to enjoy a good meal with family and friends.

      He is survived by his wife: Susan Sanders of Newton; mother: Annabelle Sanders of Shobonier; a son: John (Carla) Nicholson of Iuka; 3 grandsons: Kyle Nicholson, Trevor (Mariah) Nicholson, and Braden Nicholson; 2 sisters: Sheila Oertwig of St. Peter and Kathy (Bob) Crippen of Shobonier; and a brother-in-law: Mark (Debbie) Hilliard of Flora.

      He was preceded in passing by his father: Howell Sanders; a son: Dale Nicholson; and his father-and-mother-in-law: Archie and Pat Hilliard.

      A funeral ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Mark Henson officiating.  Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Flora, with the presentation of military funeral honors.  A visitation will be held from 12 noon until 2 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to the family to assist with medical and funeral expenses, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com