Michael Sanders

Michael "Mike" Lee Sanders, 71, passed away Sunday ,April 21, 2024, in San Angelo.

He was the son of Valeta Landrum Sanders and Harold Lee Sanders. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Marilyn Sipes Sanders; his brother, Steve Sanders and wife Candy Sanders; as well as his son, Aaron Sanders and wife, Jackie Sanders; and their daughter, Rachael Lee Sanders, of San Diego California.

Mike grew up in Mt. Pleasant. He graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1970. A few years later, he joined the Navy and completed training as an Air Traffic Controller. His first duty station was Fallon, Nevada. The second assignment was Adak, Alaska where he met Marilyn, also a Navy Air Traffic Controller. It didn't take long for them to decide marriage was for them. In 1976, they flew back to San Angelo to tie the knot at the First Christian Church on Chadbourne St. Returning to Adak, they continued their jobs in the Navy until Marilyn was stationed in Beeville, and Mike became a civilian and attended college. Marilyn completed her Navy tour and they returned to Mt. Pleasant where their son Aaron was born.

Mike decided to rejoin the Navy and was given an assignment he had always dreamed of; Instructor at the Air Traffic Control School in Memphis Tennessee. When that teaching tour was complete, the USS Dwight D Eisenhower, an air craft carrier out of Norfolk, Virginia was his next duty station. Then after a short tour in Telford Pennsylvania, he went back to the USS Eisenhower. Naval Air Station, Kingsville was his next duty station and then back to the Eisenhower for his final tour of sea duty. NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia, was his last duty station, from which he retired in 1997.

Mike started out in the Navy as an enlisted E-1 and rose through the ranks to retire as an officer with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He was especially proud of the time served on the carrier, first as an enlisted petty officer, then as a Senior Chief and finally as a Division Officer. The numerous years (8) spent on the "Ike" gave him many stories to share about the places in the Mediterranean, the North Atlantic and even the Falklands that the Eisenhower was assigned to patrol.

While serving in the Navy, Mike continued to further his formal education by earning a Master of Science Degree from the University of Arkansas. He was a longtime and avid Arkansas Razorbacks fan. He loved to watch college baseball and football, especially his "HOGS". Since the 60's, the Dallas Cowboys have been a close second in his love for sports teams. Reading was another love of his life. In the last 6 years, he'd read 600+ books that were on his Kindle. He often wrote meaningful quotes from various authors in his collection of notebooks. Besides reading and sports, Mike was a great cook. He liked to bake; one of his specialties was his sourdough bread that everyone wanted!

Mike was a pocket knife collector. His favorite was the Bulldog Brand-Handmade knives manufactured in the USA during the 1950-90's. His collection of knives was labeled, cataloged, inventoried and displayed. Many happy hours were spent going over new additions, polishing, researching, and always looking for just one more.

In their younger years, Mike and Aaron loved the sport of baseball. Aaron loved playing baseball and Mike spent time helping Aaron hone those skills. Mike was proud of Aaron's sports achievements and loved watching him play.

Mike loved his granddaughter, Rachel. He was in awe of Rachel's singing talent. It always brought a smile to his face when he watched her U-Tube performances showcasing her beautiful voice.

Mike fought a short battle with cancer before it took him. He knew how devastating cancer could be and was a long time and generous contributor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

"What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal." Albert Pike

There are no services scheduled. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.