Donald Dean Sanderson

DONALD DEAN SANDERSON Memorial services for lifelong Dove Creek resident Donald Dean Sanderson will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 25 at Dove Creek Cemetery. He passed away at his home in Cortez on Sunday, July 22, 2012 at the age of 77 with his family by his side. Donald Dean was born September 12, 1934 to James LaVoyd and Bertha (Ohnick) Sanderson in Boise City, Okla. When he was eight years old his family moved to Dove Creek where his dad helped a relative farm. Don attended elementary, junior high and high school in Dove Creek. Don graduated in 1953. While in school, Don enjoyed basketball, baseball, and football. After graduation Don worked with his father in the family business Mountain Propane. After a couple of years working, playing city league ball and refereeing, Don decided to enlist in the Army. He left for Dugway Proving Ground in May of 1955. Don completed his service in two years and was back in Dove Creek with his father. In September of 1965 Don married the love of his life, Sandy Uptain and they began their life together in Dove Creek. Shortly after Don's dad sold Mountain Propane he then went to work for Midland Bean Company. Don and Sandy were blessed with two children, Marti and Kurt. His children were his life. Don worked for a short while at Empire Electric as well but ultimately, he retired from the bean shed. After retirement, Don decided it wasn't what he had expected so he started delivering mail in Dove Creek. Don will be missed and deeply by his family and friends. He leaves behind his wife of 46 years, Sandy; his daughter, Marti and husband, Bob Long of Cortez; his son, Kurt and wife, Angela of Grand Junction; his grandchildren, Tarryn, Nathan, and Rylan of Grand Junction; his mother, Bertha Sanderson of Dove Creek; his siblings, Jim and wife, Kathy of Millikin, Colo., and Mary and husband, Norman Hensley of Dove Creek; and by several nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his father, by his father-in-law; by his brother-in-law; and by one niece and one nephew. Memorial contributions may be made in Donald Sanderson's name to Hospice of Montezuma, P.O. Box 740, Cortez, CO 81321.