Stephen Delane Sanders, Sr.

Stephen Delane Sanders, Sr., known to most as Steve and affectionately called Stevie by family, was born on December 28, 1953, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He passed away peacefully on September 5, 2025. He was the beloved son of Katherine Leslie (née Baker) and Lincoln Sanders, who both preceded him in death.

Steve is survived by: his sisters, Nena Kennedy Mohammed (Haneef) and Sherry Sanders; his children, Terron (Shaun) Wilson (née Sanders), Stephen Sanders, Jr. and Nicholas Sanders; his grandchildren, Emanuel Sanders, Demetri Thomas, Kameron Jackson, Iyanna Sanders, Stephen Sanders III and Devvon Wilson; and two special cousins who were as close as siblings, Paulette Cowan and Bernadette Watson.

He was preceded in death by his firstborn grandchild, Kyree “Diamond” Sanders. Steve will also be deeply missed by his nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends who were like family.

Steve grew up in the close-knit community of Avondale, where family and friends were always nearby. As a child, he was full of energy and spent countless hours outdoors. He loved playing kickball, tetherball, baseball and football, as well as swimming and neighborhood games of hide-and-seek.

A proud graduate of Hughes High School, Class of 1971, Steve had a lifelong passion for music. He played the keyboard and drums, sang in a local band and shared his musical gifts with joy and generosity. Professionally, he began his career at Cincinnati Water Works and later worked for Amtrak after moving to Indianapolis. Upon returning to Cincinnati in the late 1980s, Steve continued his career as a journeyman electrician, a trade he pursued with great skill, dedication and pride.

Known for his humor, charm and gift of conversation, Steve never met a stranger. A true social butterfly, he could light up any room and had a way of making everyone feel like family.

Steve’s life was rich with family, friends, music, laughter and love. He will be forever cherished in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

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