Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include funeral arrangements.
WYNNE — Former Cross County Judge Donnie Sanders died Monday morning at the age of 70. He had been in a battle with cancer.
Sanders, a Cherry Valley native, was elected Cross County Judge in 2014, defeating incumbent Jack Caubble. He took over as the Cross County Judge on Jan. 1, 2015, and was re-elected to another two-year term in 2018, and a four-year term in 2018. He was defeated in the 2022 election by current Cross County Judge Lynn Blake. Sanders’ final day as the Cross County Judge was on Dec. 31, 2022.
Sanders served during a challenging time for Cross County, which included the COVID-19 pandemic and the construction of a new jail.
Sanders was the inaugural recipient of the Arkansas Department of Human Services’ Caring in Action Award for helping to make a county road passable following a storm and allowing a DHS client to receive much-needed in-home services.
Survivors include his wife, Cross County Clerk Mary Beth Sanders.
Funeral services for Sanders will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 2, at The Bridge Church, 203 E. Merriman Avenue in downtown Wynne. Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. at the church.
There are now three living former Cross County Judges. They are Roger Fisher, Leroy Dangeau, and Jack Caubble. Bob Stacy and Buddy Diebold are the only living former Wynne Mayors with the death of Paul Nichols earlier this year.
