William Eugene "Gene" Sanders

William “Gene” Sanders, 72, of Allendale, Illinois passed away on March 17, 2026, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital.

He was born on March 17, 1954, in Mt. Carmel, Illinois. He was the son of William D. and Ida Ellen (Williams) Sanders. Lisa Witsman Wilkinson was his life partner.  

“Gene” worked as a carpenter and builder throughout his life, a Mr. Fix it. He loved to go fishing, mushroom hunting, boating, motorcycle riding and hanging out on the river with his family and friends. “Gene” always had a story to tell, a joke to crack and would help anyone and everyone who needed it all while whistling or singing a tune. He attended Grace Memorial Baptist Church in Mt. Carmel.

He is survived by his children, Deonna Sanders, Lachrista Lutz, and Ashley Wilkinson and bonus children, Jacob and Clyde Wilkinson, sister, Cheryl Windes. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Brooklyn Potts, Justin Prater, Jessilynn Lutz, Bethany Lutz, Raiden Doan, Logan Wilkinson and Lonna Wilkinson and 5 great-grandchildren.

“Gene” was preceded in death by his parents, his life partner, Lisa Witsman Wilkinson and two stillborn sisters, Stacy Don Sanders and Alicia Shawn Sanders and sister, Sandra Parrott.

Per Gene’s wishes, he will be cremated and laid to rest at Highland Memorial Cemetery in the Garden Mausoleum. There will be no formal services.

Memorial contributions for William “Gene” Sanders can be made to the Mt. Carmel Public Library Foundation. Envelopes will be available at Short-Cunningham Funeral Home.

Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com

Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve the Sanders family.

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