Arthur Sanderson

Arthur Paul Sanderson of Potosi, Missouri departed this life on July 18, 2014 at the Potosi Manor Nursing Home having reached the age of ninety three years and one day. He was born on July 17, 1921 in Terre Haute, Indiana a son to the late Delbert Sanderson and Opal (Dawson) Sanderson.
In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his brother Cecil Sanderson.
Paul's family moved to LeMay, Missouri during his youth and from there he signed up for the Navy, the week after Pearl Harbor. While in the Navy, he served on the USS Abercrombie and USS Hart, during World War II as a Chief Petty Officer First Class. Paul was recalled into service during the Korean conflict and served on the USS Berry. In the Navy he was trained as a sonar technician and was responsible for the sinking of enemy submarines. It was his experience and training that led him to electronics repair and starting up his own business in Potosi called Potosi TV. He chose Potosi for his business and family because of his love for fishing.
While running his business and enjoying the outdoors he raised his family and they were members of Pleasant Hill Christian Church. After retiring he became a very active member of the Local VFW. He volunteered at Sayers Senior Center on a weekly basis where he and his special friend Rose Jones spent most Saturday nights dancing and enjoying the company of other fellow veterans.
Special stories and memories include:
His father and grandfathers run ins with the Revenuers during prohibition which led the family fleeing to St. Louis for a number of years before prohibition was lifted.
His life being spared from the sinking of a USS destroyer by a fortuitous transfer to the Naval Sonar School just days before.
The catching of a thirteen pound bass out of the Old Gun Club Lake. Losing his cash filled wallet during a fishing trip. Sneaking in to many private lakes and run ins with the local game warden with stringers full of fish in hand.
His love for tinkering, taking anything and everything apart and using hot glue and duct tape to put it back together.
His love for sweets, especially chocolate covered cherries.
Paul is survived by three sons Andy Sanderson and Heather Gamble of Park Hills, Arthur Sanderson Jr. and wife Nyla of Defiance, Missouri, Mark Sanderson of Evansville, Indiana; two daughters Lisa Sanderson –Bollinger and husband Gale of Potosi; Paula Arnett and husband Jim of Evansville, Indiana; special friend Rose Ellen Jones of Potosi; brother Donnie Sanderson and wife Betty of Spencer, Indiana; three sisters Sandy Mueller of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, Joyce Bryan of Tamarac, Florida, Gerry Ooley and husband Sam of Spencer, Indiana; three grandchildren Jada Sanderson-Bollinger, Grace Sanderson, Sarah Sanderson; many other relatives and friends who will sadly miss him.
Funeral services were conducted on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at 11:00 AM at the DeClue Chapel with Rev. Rick Mosher officiating assisted by Rev. Carl Wilson. Full Military Honors were presented by the United States Navy and Local VFW Post #6996.
Interment and final prayers were held at Jefferson Barracks Cemetery. All arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the DeClue Funeral Home.