Everett Sanders, 87, of Bates, Ark., passed away Monday, Oct. 18, 2004, in Fort Smith, Ark. He was lifelong resident of the area, a member of the First Baptist Church in Bates for 72 years, retired from the lumber business, a 32nd degree Mason of the Waldron Masonic Lodge No. 142 and had been a Mason for 53 years.

He was preceded in death by one daughter, Lucille Morris in 2000.

Survivors include his wife Ruby Sanders of the home; one daughter, Linda Taff of Tulsa; one son, Gary Sanders of Fort Smith, Ark.; one sister, Betty Oakes of Eufaula; 10 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 21 at the First Baptist Church of Bates. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Dowden Funeral Home of Heavener.

Pallbearers will be Chris Morris, Greg Sanders, Joe Ward, Chris Poe, Tucker Poe, Kieth Henley, Adam Adams, Tommy Fellers, Jackson Poe, Cole Sanders, Nathan Ward, Blake Morris, Waylon Adams and Zachary Henley.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy Oakes, Steve Oakes, Don Sanders, Cliff Sanders, Richie Sanders, David Sanders, Larry Sanders, Johnny Sanders, Jerry Sanders, Rick Sanders, Randy Sanders, Paul Winters, Jim Winters, Danny Blair, Bryen Winters, Bradley Winters, Brian Winters and Stanley Tolbert.