Richard “Dick” L. Sanders

November 28, 1934 - October 10, 2018

Captain (Ret.) Richard “Dick” L. Sanders, 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, October 10, 2018, at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, Iowa.

Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Friday, October 12, 2018, at Grace Church, 4200 E 25th Street, Des Moines followed by burial with honors at Glendale Cemetery. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the funeral, with family present.

Richard was born November 28, 1934, in Centerville, Iowa to Roy Sanders and Dora Brooks Sanders. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from June 16, 1954 to December 4, 1957. 

Richard was a Des Moines Police Officer from February 16, 1962 until July 16, 1993. He earned the rank of Captain and served in this capacity from February 4, 1991 until his retirement in 1993. Richard was the first African American person to attain the rank of Captain in the history of the Des Moines Police Department.

Richard is survived by his children, Rebecca Sanders, Renee Lewis, Richard Sanders, Jr., Rod (Christa) Sanders, Randy Sanders, Ryan Sanders, and Brandy (Bret) Jensen, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and many special friends. 

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Beverly in 2007, sisters, Marjorie Ousley, Dorothy Peniston, and Bernice Sanders, as well as his parents.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.