Richard W. Sanderson

Ricky Sanderson, 58, died Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at his home in Beaman, Iowa. A celebration of his life will be held at 1 PM on Friday, May 23, at the Beaman Memorial Hall with refreshments to be served. A private burial will be held at a later date. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Richard Wayne Sanderson was born on April 14, 1956 to Marvin and Lois (Lindaman) Sanderson in Grundy Center, Iowa. He grew up in Beaman and attended the Beaman-Conrad School District before entering the workforce, first on a local farm and then trucking at age 18. Ricky would go on to operate his own company, Sanderson Trucking, out of his home for several years. Then, he worked as a diesel mechanic and opened J&L Repair in Beaman with his older brother, Jerry Sanderson. Ricky continued to work on projects out of his shop at home until his health no longer allowed him to in recent years. On October 7, 1977, Ricky was married to Brenda Heitmeyer of Beaman in a ceremony in Eagleville, Missouri. They had two children, a son Blair on November 4, 1978, and another son, John, on May 14, 1981. The couple later divorced, but remained close with both staying in their hometown of Beaman to raise their kids. Ricky enjoyed being around his friends and family and really there was no distinction between the two. He never knew a stranger and once you were his friend, you were family, and that never changed. He was loyal and would give you his last dollar bill or the shirt off his back if you needed it. Ricky was fun to be around, always quick with a joke or a laugh, and had a great memory with lots of good stories to tell. He will truly be missed. Survivors include his children: Blair (Sarah) Sanderson of Denver, Iowa, and John (Sarah) Sanderson of Waterloo, Iowa; His grandchildren: Sophia, Brody, Annabelle, and Nora; His siblings: Jerry (Linda) Sanderson of Liscomb, Barb (Jim) Croxdale of Ames, Bobby (Joni) Sanderson of Conrad, LeeAnn Switzer of Conrad, Gary (Sergio) Sanderson of Iowa City, Denny (Lynette) Sanderson of Albion, Linda (Curt) Hoff of Marshalltown, and Lori Budziak of Aurora, Colorado; And many loving nieces and nephews, their children, and extended family all over. Ricky was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Lois, and his brother, Kenny Sanderson.