Richard Frank Sanders

Richard was born in Ogden, Utah, on April 26, 1927, and reared on a small farm. He was the third child of Raymond Winfield and Frances Verla Thomas Sanders. His early life was during the depression era of the 1920s and 30s. His father was employed as a bookkeeper for the Frank M. Browning Automobile Agencies and was never unemployed.

He attended Mount Fort Elementary and Junior High School. He graduated early in March 1945 from Ogden High School in order to enlist in the United States Navy. He was a Seaman First Class assigned to the Battleship South Dakota BB57, then transferred to the Yard Mine Sweeper YMS 359. He was discharged in Shoemaker, California on July 26, 1946.

After the war, he married Geraldine “Jeri” May Keeter, whom he had courted on and off since the 7th grade, in a civil ceremony, June 20, 1947. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Manti Temple, September 7, 1963.

He graduated from Weber State College with an Associate’s degree in 1948. He then enrolled in Utah State Agricultural College where he studied Wildlife Management and Forestry, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1950. He did two quarters of graduate work before going to work for the Game and Fish Department at the Seven Springs Fish Hatchery in Jamez Springs, New Mexico. They lived in a small cabin the first year, which had no electricity. He said they lived like the early pioneers. From there, in 1952, his employment took him to the Farmer’s Grain Co-op in Ogden, as a cereal chemist for 4 years. He then went to work with the U.S. Forest Service as a Forestry Aide, then as a Forester, subsequently moving up through the ranks. He became the Assistant District Ranger of the Uintah National Forest at the Regional Office in Spanish Fork, Utah in 1958. In 1959 he transferred to Dixie National Forest as the District Ranger, stationed in Teasdale, Utah. This was his favorite assignment. Everywhere they went they made lifelong friends. From rural Teasdale, he was then transferred to Pocatello, Idaho to the Carbon National Forest as a Range, Wildlife Watershed Staff Officer. In 1968, he moved his family back to Ogden to be closer to family. He worked as Supervisory Forester – Section Head, Soil and Water Management. Later as Director, Area Planning, and Development, States and Private Forestry, and Watershed and Air Management. He retired in 1989 with 35 years of service but was called back to help on the Fire Desk twice.

He retired and moved from Ogden to West Haven on 2.5 acres where he raised Suffolk sheep, chickens, ducks, and the occasional beef. He loved hunting and fishing and trained several good hunting dogs. He also loved woodworking and had a small shop. He loved gardening of all types including vegetables, flowers, and fruit trees. He was always an avid reader.

He was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many callings, including Bishop of the Ogden 54th Ward in 1974 and Wilson 2nd Ward in 1994. He loved serving others.

Richard is survived by his five children, Sidney (John) Kimble, Richard (Carren) Sanders, Laurie Sanders, Paige Sanders, and Mindi Sanders; 17 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; brother, Raymond; sister, Marilyn; and sister-in-law, Leah.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with family on Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.