Joseph Hardy Sanders' Obituary
Joseph Hardy Sanders Jr. was born September 25th, 1951 in Salt Lake CIty, Utah. Joe
was preceded in death by his grandmother Aretta Hansen, parents Margaret L. Sanders and
Joseph H. Sanders, his sisters Kathy Rad Sanders, Lisa Margaret Sanders Crew, grandson
Jackson Rumel Sanders, nephews Richard Nelson, Anthony Sanders and niece Mandy
Sanders. He is survived by his beloved wife Mary Kathleen Sanders, his children Joseph Hardy
Sanders III, Joshua Courtney Sanders (Marissa Sanders), Emily Margaret Corbitt (Chad
Corbitt), Amie Marie Smith (Josh Smith), Jamie Ann Merchanthouse (Greg Merchanthouse),
and grandchildren Coen Smith, Liam Smith, Jude Smith, Max Merchanthouse, Jake
Merchanthouse, Lucas Merchanthouse, Delia Sanders, Cas Sanders, Charlie Corbitt, Hannah
Sanders, Kaceton Lucero, Anthony Sanders, his uncle Bill Cox, his beloved twin and best friend
Elden Sanders (Marilyn Sanders), sisters Paula Thurman, Debbie Barber, brothers John
Sanders, and Kim Sanders. Joe had many cousins, nieces and nephews, including Sean
Reynolds, Tory Bohen, Steve Bohen, Tiffany Larisch, Brooke Jaramillo, Johnny Sanders and
Jessica Woodruff.
Joseph met his teenage sweetheart Mary Kathleen Nelson at the old Nut House in Salt
Lake City, Utah. At the early age of 17, Joe entered the U.S. Navy and served on the USS
White Plains during the Vietnam War. In December of 1972, at the chapel at Fort Douglas, Joe
married his sweetheart Mary Kathleen Nelson. Joe and Kathy were married for 50+ years. Joe
finished his military career in the Naval Reserves and then later as a Sergeant in the Utah
National Guard. While serving locally, Joe built roads in the High Uintas, connecting him to a
place that he loved. They built roads up Wolf Creek Pass, near the Soapstone Basin. They
brought their machine guns and Joe mostly worked on the vehicles. Joe was an avid
outdoorsman. I remember the deer hanging in the basement, leaving at 3am to go fishing,
hiking, camping and other outdoor activities. Joe passed his love of the outdoors to his next
generation of family.
Joe worked hard and supported his family. At times, Joe had 3-4 jobs. He used to take
the kids to the bowling alley in Taylorsville at 3:00 AM because he couldn’t leave them home
alone. Joe and Kathy built the American dream, with a home and family. Joe was recognized by
people in the community. He had friends up and down the street. Joe coached youth sports,
attended church and helped friends in need. He dedicated his life to his family. No matter how
much fun he had, he worked hard, and almost never called out sick. Joe could build anything
and fix anything. He fixed machines for his family, his career and his country. Everywhere he
was, he was a valuable contributor.
In retirement he often found enjoyment in thinking, creating, exploring, imagining and
spending time with family. He went rockhounding, on trips to Wendover, Vegas, Mexico,
Montana, California and his beloved High Uintas. He spent time with his family exploring the
backcountry, at times just to relax, but initially to find Spanish Gold in the Grand Daddy Basin.
Toward the end of his life, Joe spent much of his time with his wife Kathy. At home, they
laughed, listened to music, watched TV, visited with family, while spending time with their dogs
Sassy and Tank.
Joe touched many lives. He was a family guy, worker, soldier, sailor, student, believer
and much more. He was a world traveler, but left this world, where it started, right here in the
Salt Lake Valley. On Tuesday, October 24th, 2023, surrounded by Joe’s legacy, in the presence
of the lord and hospital staff, Joe exited his earthly body, to continue his afterlife in the heavens,
our hearts and minds. Joe will be missed by all that he knew.
Joe will be laid to rest on Wednesday, November 1st at Camp Williams Military
Cemetery. This facility is just off Redwood Road, on 17800 S Camp Williams Rd, Bluffdale,
Utah 84065. Celebration of life service will begin at the Camp Williams Chapel at 12:00 PM, a
Rosary Service at 1:00 PM, graveside service at 2:00 PM and dinner at 3:30 PM at Amie Smiths
home. Please send flowers to the Camp Williams Chapel.
What’s your fondest memory of Joseph?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joseph?
Share a story where Joseph's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joseph you’ll never forget.
How did Joseph make you smile?
