SANDERS, CECIL CARLTON, 92, a practicing attorney in Lancaster for 56 years, passed away Saturday, January 13, 2007 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Lexington after a brief illness. He was the son of James Blythe and Suella Jones Sanders of Garrard County and a graduate of Transylvania College and the University of Kentucky Law School. In 1942, he volunteered for service in the U.S. Navy and was selected for training as a PT boat captain. During this time period, he developed a close friendship with former president, John F. Kennedy, a fellow- trainee, which continued until Kennedy's death in 1963. In appreciation for his campaign help in the 1960 election, he was offered a position in the Kennedy administration, but refused in order to pursue his first love of being a "country lawyer". Like Kennedy, he was decorated for bravery in battle, serving throughout World War II in the Mediterranean and the Pacific. He has appeared in numerous articles, radio and television interviews and public forums concerning his exploits during the war, including the sinking of a large Italian troop carrier by the relatively small craft he commanded. He possessed a sharp intellect, an engaging personality, and a love for his fellowman, particularly the underdog. One of his primary interests was education. He served on the Board of Regents at Eastern Kentucky University and for 50 years was a Trustee as well as Chairman of the Board of Midway College. An avid reader and historian, he was instrumental in establishing the Garrard County Public Library and served as Chairman of the Board which restored the historian Owsley House. He was also a member of the Kentucky Historical Society and a Mason. In addition, he served his community and state during two terms in the Kentucky House of Representatives and one term in the the state Senate. His hobbies included aviation, world travel, carpentry, tennis, golf, jogging and cheering for his beloved Wildcats. His energy, optimism, wit and charm endeared him to all who knew him. He was a long-time, active member of the Lancaster Christian Church, where he served as a Sunday School teacher and elder. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, he is survived by his wife, Mary Elizabeth; his daughter and son-in-law, Jerry Sue and Dr. Marshall Johnson; his son and law partner, Jim Sanders and daughter -in-law, Lucinda; his stepdaughter, Peggy Lou Sharp and her husband, Billy; seven grandchildren, Jamie Hochleutner, Dr. Chip Johnson, Melissa Hiser, Julie Nass, Allan Sanders, Cecilee Sanders and Jami Sharp; and nine great-grandchildren. A celebration of Mr. Sanders' life will be held at the Lancaster Christian Church at 11 a.m. Tuesday, with burial to follow in the Lancaster Cemetery. Visitation is 4-9 p.m. Monday at Spurlin Funeral Home on Lexington Road in Lancaster and from 9-10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the church. The family requests that expressions of sympathy be sent to Midway College in Midway, KY, the Public Library or the The Owsley House Fund in Garrard County.