My name is Charles Sanders III, and I am writing this with a heavy heart on behalf of my family. On October 1, 2025, we lost our father, Charles Sanders Jr.—a man who was not only our rock, but also the heart of our family.

My dad was a loving father of four children and a proud grandfather of two. He leaves behind me, his oldest son, along with my wife Daina and our two children, Elijah (8) and Londyn (6), who adored their grandfather deeply. He also leaves my younger brother Zavier (27), who lived with and supported him every day, and my two youngest siblings, Zion (20) and Nahzeer (18). Zion is currently a junior at the University of Illinois studying Elementary Education, and Nahzeer is a student at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. My father was so proud of all of us and worked tirelessly to support us in every way—from helping with college expenses to being there for us emotionally every single day.

He even went above and beyond for me as I began my own small security business. My father believed in me, in all of us, and did everything he could to make sure we had what we needed. He also cherished his role as a grandfather—helping with Elijah’s basketball fees and after-school activities, supporting Londyn’s dance and school programs, and always making time to show up for them. Those moments meant everything to him.

What made my dad so special was his selflessness. He gave everything he had to his children and grandchildren. He rarely thought of himself—he wanted us to be taken care of first. Because of that, he didn’t have life insurance. He always believed there would be more time.

Now, as we face this devastating loss, we are trying to come together to give him the proper funeral and memorial he deserves. This was so unexpected, and we are struggling to cover the costs. On top of funeral expenses, my siblings are still in college, and with my father gone, they no longer have his daily support. That responsibility now falls heavily on our mom, who cannot carry this alone, and also on me, as I do my best to step in and support her financially. My brother Zavier, who lived with my dad, is now left to handle the household finances. He was just preparing to start his journey in HVAC trade school to better his life and take on the bills for our father—now this responsibility comes sooner than expected, adding to his burden.

These funds will not only go toward laying my dad to rest, but also toward helping his children continue their education, supporting his beloved grandchildren in their activities, and easing the heavy financial load that has now shifted onto our family.

My dad touched so many lives, and I know that everyone who knew him would want the chance to say their goodbyes and honor his memory. If you are able, we humbly ask for your support. Every donation, no matter the amount, will go directly toward his funeral and toward keeping the promises he always kept—to make sure his children and grandchildren were taken care of.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your kindness, love, and support during this heartbreaking time.

With love,

Charles Sanders III & Family