Rodney Eugene Sanders

Rodney Sanders, 70, of rural Pollock, MO, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, February 23, 2018.

Rodney Eugene Sanders was born in Tucson, AZ, on October 4, 1947, the son of Marjorie Holden. He moved to Pollock as a toddler and was adopted by Marjorie’s sister and husband, John and Jane Sanders. He graduated from Milan High School in 1965 and briefly drove a truck after graduation. Rodney married Ruscella Johnson in Unionville, MO, on April 11, 1969. They bought a farm in Pollock soon after they were married and have lived there since. Rodney began employment with Operating Engineers Local 101 running a scraper and then a dozer. He was engaged in several construction jobs throughout Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, and Texas. Rodney retired from that job in 2014. All the while Rodney had also maintained a cow/calf operation on his farm.

Rodney was a gun enthusiast and liked to hunt for deer, pheasant, and waterfowl. He liked to visit and talk politics as well as play pitch at the Pollock Community Center. He and Ruscella also enjoyed frequent trips to Branson. Rodney’s greatest enjoyment came from his family. He was proud of his sons and grandchildren and loved to attend the sporting events of his boys and grandkids. He was baptized on April 4, 1969, and was an active member of the First Christian Church of Unionville.

Rodney is survived by his wife and three sons: Roger and wife Shayla of Pollock, MO; Ryan and wife Janna of Liberty, MO; and Rick and wife Kayla of Smithville, MO. Rodney’s eight grandchildren are Hannah and Cooper Sanders, Marcus and Madison Furnish, Corbin and Melana Munsell, and Lyric and Renley Sanders. Rodney is survived by a brother, Stan Sanders of Macon, MO, and a sister, Shelia Elliott of Milan, MO.

Rodney was preceded in death by his mother and adopted parents as well as a sister, Hillary Dale Sinclair.

Funeral services for Rodney Sanders will be at the Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO, at 10:30, February 28, 2018. Visitation will be from 6:00 -8:00 pm Tuesday, February 27. Interment will be at the Scobee Cemetery, Pollock, MO.

Memorials are suggested to the Scobee Cemetery or the Pollock Community Center and may be entrusted with Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.