Michael Patrick Sanders, 57 of Taylorville, passed away at 12:46a.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2019 in his home surrounded by his family. He was born on November 4, 1961 in Sedalia, Missouri, the son of Larry Charles Murphy and Melinda Brown. Michael was adopted by William Sanders and raised by his maternal grandparents: Joe & Mildred Rainey. He married Maurita K. Fleming on November 6, 1992 in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Michael was a detail-oriented and results-focused Supply Chain/Logistics and Business Service professional with more than 30 years’ experience in his field. He previously worked for Fast Food Merchandisers in Taylorville as an Operations Manager before joining Dynegy/Illinois Power Company in Decatur where he served as the Director of Supply Chain Management and Fleet Services. Michael then continued his work with Dynegy in Houston, Texas as the Vice President of Business Services and Chief Procurement Officer and finally working as an Enterprise Real Estate and Facilities Manager for Halcon Resources. Michael was passionate about his work, a career that took him to job sites all across the country. In June of 2003 his work was published in Transmission & Distribution World Magazine in an article entitled: Better Materials, Better Performance. Michael and Marty previously operated The Neighborhood Dry Cleaners in Taylorville for several years. In his free time, he enjoyed working on his Fords, both his 8N tractor as well as his antique truck. He loved his time spent enjoying the outdoors, not only working on his property and fishing, but also watching wildlife such as the deer that came into his backyard every morning, a group he affectionately called the “breakfast club”.
Michael is survived by his wife: Marty Sanders of Taylorville; children: Joseph Thomas Sanders (Krista) of Blue Springs, Missouri and Michelle Renee Sanders of Republic, Missouri; grandchildren: Kaylee Marie Sanders and Hannah Marie Sanders; father: Larry C. Murphy of Galveston, Texas; siblings: Timothy Charles Sanders (Monica) of Independence, Missouri, Sandy Cotton (Chris) of Blue Springs, Missouri, Jimmy Sanders of Independence, Missouri, David Sanders (Reta) of San Diego, California, Mike Sanders (Shari) of Belton, and Patricia Wilson, Lynda Carter (Terry), and Pam Harper (Mike) all 3 of Salem, Missouri, sisters and brothers-in-law: Kathy Ray (Dean), Bob Fleming Jr. (Helga) and Suzzy Cocagne all of Taylorville; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, adopted father, grandparents, and sister-in-law: Deborah Stivers.
Michael will be cremated, and a memorial service will be held at 12:00pm on Friday, May 31, 2019 at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville with Michael St. Louis officiating. Visitation will be held from 10am until 12pm. Friday. Inurnment will take place at the St. Maurice Cemetery in Morrisonville. Memorials may be made to Christian County Animal Control.
McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memories of Michael, or condolences to the family, may be left online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.
