Obituary of Michael A. Sanders

Michael Sanders was born to Florence and Mathis Sanders on April 23rd 1959 in St. Louis, Missouri. His mother, father, and brother Robert Porter preceded him in death. Michael graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas Mercy High School in 1978. It was there that he developed his love for football and played on the varsity team. He kept up with his letterman jacket over the years and later became a big fan of the St. Louis Rams. Sundays were for church and football! After high school Michael took the vow to protect and serve and joined the police force. He served for the city of Northwoods and Maryland Heights Township. He was promoted to detective and was later asked to work the city's more complex cases and joined the major case squad of greater St. Louis. After his time on the police force Michael went on to have a career in sales with Anheuser-Busch, Behlmann Automotive, and Lowe’s where he developed many lasting relationships. In addition to football Michael was a car fanatic. He and his buddies were known to ride around the city showing off their clean rides. Over the years he had many cars and motorcycles. One of his favorites was a blue 78 Camaro Z28 with a white competition stripe down the middle. Michael knew the city of St. Louis like the back of his hand. You could ask him for directions anywhere and he could get you there. In 1986, Michael married Monice Smith. He quickly took on a loving father role to her daughter Stasia. They went on to have another daughter, Michaela. He was a proud “Girl Dad” before it had a name. He confessed his belief in Jesus Christ at an early age and later became a member of First Baptist Church of Chesterfield. He was blessed with a wonderful singing voice and used it to sing for the Lord in the choir. His song was “Living Testimony”. He truly loved his church and even his “girlfriend” at church. -You know who you are! Michael had a big personality and a wise guy sense of humor. He made friends wherever he went. He took pride in having a well manicured lawn and knew how to throw down on the BBQ grill! He was a lover of soul music and rhythm and blues and kept up a prized album collection. Michael departed this earthly life on February 5th, 2023. He leaves many to cherish his memory including: his two loving daughters, Michaela Sanders and Stasia Johnson; one granddaughter Layla Fields; two sisters, Bobbie Pompey and Joyce Ray; aunt, Delores Keaton and a host of nieces and nephews.