Sam Sanders, 49, of Grand Island, died Wednesday, April 26, 2017. Memorial service will be 11:00 AM Monday, May 1, 2017, at Abundant Life Christian Center with Pastor Jason Warriner officiating. Memorials are suggested to the family.

Sam was born on June 22, 1967, in Redding, CA, to John and Carlyon (Herrington) Sanders. He grew up in Cottonwood, CA. He attended West Valley High School until his junior year, and then graduated from Red Bluff High School in 1986.

On July 24, 1993, he was united in marriage to Charlene Waterman at Trinity United Methodist Church. The couple made their home in Grand Island. Sam worked construction for various places. Then attended Central Community College in Hastings, and graduated with honors and received his CDL. He worked as an over the road trucker for thirteen years at Seward Motor Freight and Chief Trucking.

Sam enjoyed rock concerts, car shows, spending time with family and friends, drawing, making model cars, collecting swords and Stars Wars memorabilia.

He is survived by wife: Charlene Sanders of Lewiston, ID; children: Jon (Andrea) Stewart of Aurora, NE, Eric (Val Castillo) Stewart of Grand Island, Desiree (Jason) Rhoads of Grand Island, Shayna (Michael) Serrato of Grand Island, Zak Sanders of Grand Island, Blade (Haylee) Sanders of Grand Island, Damon Sanders of Grand Island, Gabe Sanders of Lewistown, ID; 14 grandchildren; sisters: Colleen (John) Canida of CA, Sabrina (Moke) Rafael of ID, Debbie (Dave) McNutt of ID, Claudia Johnson of OR; sisters-in-law: Sharon (Bob) Weidt of Hastings, NE, Deb Waterman of Grand Island, Cindy Waterman of Grand Island, Pamela Brandt of Grand Island, Maria (Dennis) Knudson of WI, brother-in-law: Rick Waterman of Grand Island, and Danny Whitt of CO; numerous nieces and nephews; extended family: Linda (John) Payne, Alex Castro and family; and the numerous people he influenced.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, parents-in-law, brother-in-law Mike (Wendy) Waterman, and niece: Cassie.