Buck M. Sanders

Buck M. Sanders (“Uncle Buck”) of Sterling City and formerly of Ballinger passed away Thursday, October 23, 2008 at Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo. He was 90 years old.

Buck was born January 18, 1918 in Concho County, Texas to Vernon Vain and Annie Belle (Gann) Sanders. His distinguished military service during WWII with the Army’s 36th Division included 22 months as a POW in Germany and an awarding of the Purple Heart. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW and DAV (Disabled American Vets). He will also be remembered as longtime caretaker of Ballinger’s Evergreen Cemetery, working with the Ballinger Cemetery Association. Buck was a member of the Baptist Church. Family and friends reveal there are many colorful stories about Uncle Buck and that he “never met a stranger.”

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Alleene Chapin and Millie Brown; and half-brother, Marvin Sanders.

Uncle Buck is survived by his nephew, Gladden Frank Stewart of Sterling City, who was his loyal caregiver and companion; and niece, Linda Gail Bradley of Aspermont.

There will be a time of visitation on Saturday, October 25 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Lange Funeral Home. A graveside service will be conducted on Sunday, October 26 at 2:00 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery. According to Buck’s wishes, he would like all his ex-wives to serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be the coffee-drinking boys of the “Round Table” and Dayton McClure.