Hershel Sanders, 81, of Rector died Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2006, at his home.

Born Jan. 6, 1925, in Leonard to the late George Sanders and Margie (Baker) Sanders, he was a retired farmer, preacher and plumber. He was a lifelong member of the community and a member of the Rector First General Baptist Church.

He was married Aug. 7, 1943, to Lois (Redfairn) Sanders, who preceded him in death. He then married Almarita Sanders on Feb. 21, 1992.

Also preceding him in death were an infant brother and one sister, Anna Graves.

Survivors include his wife, Almarita Sanders of the home; three sons and daughters-in-law, Bill and Linda Sanders and Tony and Mary Sanders of Rector and Monty and Kathy Sanders of Piggott; a step-son and daughter-in-law, Del and Bonnie Williams of Arnold, Mo.; two daughters and sons-in-law, Judy and Dewayne Williams of Blytheville and Betty and Verlin Drope of Swartz Creek, Mich.; a step-daughter and son-in-law, Gil and Carroll Darter of Paragould; four sisters, Opal Eubanks of Paragould, Evaline Cobb and Grace Cossey of Rector and Cleta Terry of Kennett, 11 grandchildren, six step-grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and a host of other friends and relatives.

Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at the First General Baptist Church in Rector with Bro. Marston Carpenter officiating. Burial was in Woodland Heights Cemetery in Rector with Irby Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers were Barry Sanders, Kevin Drope, Kelly Williams, Brian Sanders, Brent Sanders, Bradlee Sanders and Nathan Sanders. Honorary pallbearers were Sugar Babes -- Kippy Davis, Angie McClelland, Brandy Ford and Emily Sanders.