Charles Reese Sanders

Charles Reese Sanders, 98, of Hamer, Idaho, died peacefully at his home, Friday, July 26, 2013. Reese was born October 9, 1914, in Rexburg, Idaho, to Charles Albert Sanders and Sarah Howell Sanders. The first eight years of his life were spent living at various times in Lima, Montana; Rexburg, Idaho; and Hamer, Idaho. His family moved permanently to Hamer in 1925. He graduated from Hamer High School in 1932 and from Ricks College in 1935. Later, in 1957, he graduated from Brigham Young University. In the fall of 1936, Reese started his teaching career in the Rainy Dell School in Swan Valley where he taught all eight grades. While teaching in Swan Valley, he met Norma Daniels at a dance, and two years later they were married on August 10, 1938, in Livingston, Montana. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Logan, Utah, LDS Temple. In the fall of 1939, Reese started teaching in the Hamer school system and taught there for forty-one years, both as teacher and principal. In addition to teaching, Reese purchased a farm and started building a herd of cattle, mostly to have something to do during the summers. In several following summers, Reese worked at a variety of jobs, including for the Union Pacific Railroad, Peter Kewitt Construction in Wyoming, Arrington Construction, and Hunter Construction at the A.E.C. site. He was also railway express agent in Hamer from 1939 until the depot was moved to Roberts. In addition to teaching and farming, Reese was active in civic organizations and the LDS Church. He served as a second counselor in the Hamer Ward Bishopric, Ward Clerk for several years, and in the MIA presidency. He was an instructor for the High Priests Group for five years. He helped incorporate Hamer into a village and served as secretary and treasurer for 28 years. In 1971, Reese helped organize the Jefferson Free Library District and served as a board member for ten years. Reese is survived by three sons, Charles Reese Jr. (Susan) Sanders of Huntington Beach, California; Lewis Henry (Charlotte) Sanders of Eagle, Idaho; and David Bert Sanders of Hamer, Idaho; three daughters, Nedra Jean (Ernest) Perkins of South Jordan, Utah; Phyllis (Wayne) Violette of Las Vegas, Nevada; and Jayne Marie (Larry) Niederer, of Hamer, Idaho; a sister, Sarah Smith, of Wendell, Idaho; 19 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild. Reese is preceded in death by his parents; his wife Norma; three sisters, Ruth (Forest) Barnes; Ruby (Albert) Landon, and Pearl (Ab) Laird; a grandson, Roger Henry Sanders; and a great-grandson, Joseph Earl Sanders. Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 1, 2013, at 11:00 a.m., in the Hamer Ward LDS Chapel. The family will meet with friends Wednesday, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and prior to services Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., both at the Hamer Ward LDS Chapel. Burial will be in the West Jefferson Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby, Idaho. Condolences may be sent to the