Craig L. Anders, Sr., 54, of Jacksonville, IL died Thursday, August 9, 2012 at Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville.

He was born June 2, 1958 in Jacksonville; the son of Robert Monroe “Buzz” and June Evelyn Decker Anders.

He is survived by seven children, Candace Anders-White (husband, Jimmy), Angel Anders, Craig L. Anders Jr. and Christopher Anders (wife, Nikki), all of Jacksonville, Catie Anders-Knowles (husband, Terry) of Baylis, Carrie Anders-Self (husband, Michael) of Jacksonville, and Timothy Anders of Jacksonville; 18 grandchildren; three sisters, Rebecca Lynn Anders and Pamela J. Anders (fiancé, James Waters), both of Jacksonville and Becky Cain (husband, David) of Murrayville; several nieces and nephews; his companion, Elizabeth Osborne of Jacksonville and her children, Paul Broughton (wife, Susan) of Portal, GA, Lauren Broughton (fiancé, Jason Paegelow) of Jacksonville, and Mark Broughton (wife, Sean) of Sterling. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A 1977 graduate of Jacksonville High School, Mr. Anders was previously employed at Passavant Hospital and an Amoco Service Station. More recently, he had worked several years for Artic Ice in Jacksonville. His two favorite pastimes were spending time at the Jacksonville Raceway where he drove Street Stocks and Modifieds over the past 30 years and spending time surrounded by his family.

The family will meet friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Tuesday, August 14, 2012, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville. Cremation rites will be accorded following the visitation. Private family committal services will be held at a later date. Memorial gifts are suggested to the family. Condolences may be sent online at www.buchanancody.com.