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THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Glenn Steven “Steve” Sanders, beloved husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and community leader, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2026, in League City, Texas, at the age of 79, with his loving wife by his side. Steve leaves behind an extraordinary legacy defined by leadership, integrity, compassion, and service to others.
Steve was born on October 4, 1946, in Charlotte, North Carolina, to the late Charles Milton Sanders and Marcella Geraldine Huskinson Sanders. Because of his father’s military service, the Sanders family moved frequently, often several times a year. Steve later reflected that this nomadic childhood made it difficult to form lasting roots or friendships—until he ultimately found his true home in Texas. In his youth, he was a devoted altar boy and, for a time, even considered a calling to the Episcopalian priesthood.
After graduating from Whetstone High School in Columbus, Ohio, in 1964, Steve enlisted in the United States Army during the height of the Vietnam conflict. Following basic training and aptitude testing, he was offered the opportunity to attend Officers Candidate School, which he respectfully declined in favor of serving as a medical specialist (SP5). He was stationed at the 121st Evacuation Hospital in Ascom, Korea, where his early commitment to healthcare and service took root. He was honorably discharged in 1967.
Steve continued his education through community college in Corpus Christi, Texas, and Marietta, Georgia, before enrolling at the University of Houston in 1969. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Psychology in 1971. During his college years, Steve worked as a phlebotomist at hospitals within the Texas Medical Center, fully supporting himself while pursuing his studies. He went on to earn a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Trinity University in San Antonio and completed his administrative internship at the Washington VA Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Over the next several years, Steve held healthcare administration roles across the United States, gaining broad experience and insight into hospital leadership.
In 1982, Steve found his professional calling when he began a 32-year career with Memorial Hermann Health System. He served as Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Memorial Southeast Hospital, one of the system’s original community hospitals. When structural damage threatened the aging facility, Steve successfully led the effort to build a new, state-of-the-art replacement hospital on Astoria Boulevard near Clear Lake City.
In 1994, Steve embraced a new and deeply fulfilling challenge when he became Vice President and CEO of Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital. With unwavering dedication, he inspired and developed his leadership team and employees, guiding the hospital to become the premier healthcare provider in Montgomery County and a flagship institution within the Memorial Hermann Health System.
Steve was deeply loved and respected by employees, volunteers, and medical staff alike. For two decades, he personally served Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas morning meals to those working on the holidays, a tradition that reflected his genuine appreciation for every member of the hospital family. He made it his mission to know employees, volunteers, and physicians by name, regularly walking through every department to express his gratitude. He especially cherished visits to the Nursery, where he delighted in holding newborns. Thousands of babies born at The Woodlands Hospital between 1994 and 2014 bear Steve’s signature on their birth certificates. Among his most treasured moments as CEO were the annual employee awards ceremonies, where he took great pride in celebrating achievements and meeting the families who supported those honorees.
Beyond the hospital walls, Steve was a tireless advocate for his community. He served as Chairman of the Boards of Directors for The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce, The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership, Yes to Youth, Lone Star College Foundation, and LifeGift, the organ procurement organization for North, Southeast, and West Texas. He was a founding member of Leadership Montgomery County’s leadership board and served on the Medical Advisory Board for Interfaith of The Woodlands. Steve also played an instrumental role in bringing IRONMAN, the world’s premier triathlon series, to The Woodlands—an event that continues to generate an estimated $15 million annual economic impact for the community.
Steve considered his proudest professional achievement to be the Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center, which he shepherded from concept to reality. He regarded Canopy as his enduring legacy, insisting that its services be provided at no cost to all who sought comfort, refuge, and support.
Despite a demanding career and extensive volunteer commitments, Steve embraced life’s pleasures. He was an avid golfer, playing regularly with weekly groups and proudly achieving his one and only hole-in-one. He also cherished monthly poker nights filled with laughter, camaraderie, and lasting friendships.
Steve was known for his sharp wit, warm humor, and unmistakable deep belly laugh. He was equally recognized—and often admired—for his striking prematurely white hair, impeccable attire, and polished shoes, a standard instilled by his father. Whether running a quick errand or attending a formal event, Steve believed in presenting himself with care and dignity, often saying, “You never know who you might run into.”
After retirement, Steve and his wife Kathy looked forward to traveling and new adventures together. Tragically, those plans were curtailed by six difficult years of progressive decline, culminating in a diagnosis of Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). Following several serious fall-related injuries, Steve spent his final years in memory care, where he passed peacefully with Kathy by his side.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Charlotte Marie Sanders Rice and Michelle Annette Sanders Bullard. He is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years, Kathryn Massey Sanders; his son, U.S. Air Force Lt. Colonel Ryan Patrick Sanders; daughter-in-law Lauren Gillespie Sanders; grandchildren Avery Beth Sanders and Crew Jennings Sanders; stepson Jimmy Bounds, Jr.; nephews Jeremy and Dustin Bullard; niece Courtney Bullard; and numerous extended family members, friends, and former colleagues.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to The Cottages at Clear Lake in League City and Affinity Hospice in Webster for their compassionate care.
Friends are invited to a visitation with the family from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Forest Park–The Woodlands Funeral Home and Cemetery, 18000 I-45 South, The Woodlands, Texas 77384.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in the Sanctuary of The Woodlands Methodist Church, 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77380, with Dr. Edmund Robb III officiating. Guests are asked to use The Atrium entrance (#1). A reception with light refreshments will follow in Wesley Hall.
Steve’s poker and golf friends will serve as honorary pallbearers: The Honorable Craig Doyal, Sheriff Tommy Williams, Barry Millenson, Gil Staley, Taylor Watkins, Bret Strong, Bruce Tough, Tim Welbes, Mike Karlins, Michael Barnhill, Danny Schroeder, Rhese Hoylman III, Jim Carmens, Steve Head, Bob Udell, and—present in spirit and never forgotten—Jim Blair and John Holman.
Steve will be laid to rest in a private family burial ceremony with full military honors provided by the U.S. Army Honor Guard at Forest Park–The Woodlands following the reception.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts honoring Steve’s passion for community service may be made to support the Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center online at www.memorialhermann.org/canopy
, by mail to 929 Gessner, Suite 2650, Houston, Texas 77024, or by phone at (713) 242-4400.
Throughout his career, Steve received numerous awards and accolades, including:
• The Paul Harris Award, Rotary Club of The Woodlands
• Volunteer of the Year, The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce
• Honoree, 2006 Heart Ball, American Heart Association (Montgomery County)
• 2009 Hometown Hero, Interfaith of The Woodlands
• Proclamation of “Steve Sanders Day,” May 7, 2014, The Woodlands Township
• Honorary Admiral of the Texas Navy, Governor Greg Abbott
• Numerous commendations from the U.S. House of Representatives, The Honorable Kevin Brady
• Dan S. Wilford Leadership Award, Memorial Hermann Health System
Steve Sanders touched countless lives through his kindness, leadership, and unwavering commitment to others. His legacy will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/12697806?utm_source=obit_link_txt
Steve Sanders
Steve was born on October 4, 1946, in Charlotte, North Carolina, to the late Charles Milton Sanders and Marcella Geraldine Huskinson Sanders. Because of his father’s military service, the Sanders family moved frequently, often several times a year. Steve later reflected that this nomadic childhood made it difficult to form lasting roots or friendships—until he ultimately found his true home in Texas. In his youth, he was a devoted altar boy and, for a time, even considered a calling to the Episcopalian priesthood.
After graduating from Whetstone High School in Columbus, Ohio, in 1964, Steve enlisted in the United States Army during the height of the Vietnam conflict. Following basic training and aptitude testing, he was offered the opportunity to attend Officers Candidate School, which he respectfully declined in favor of serving as a medical specialist (SP5). He was stationed at the 121st Evacuation Hospital in Ascom, Korea, where his early commitment to healthcare and service took root. He was honorably discharged in 1967.
Steve continued his education through community college in Corpus Christi, Texas, and Marietta, Georgia, before enrolling at the University of Houston in 1969. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Psychology in 1971. During his college years, Steve worked as a phlebotomist at hospitals within the Texas Medical Center, fully supporting himself while pursuing his studies. He went on to earn a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Trinity University in San Antonio and completed his administrative internship at the Washington VA Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Over the next several years, Steve held healthcare administration roles across the United States, gaining broad experience and insight into hospital leadership.
In 1982, Steve found his professional calling when he began a 32-year career with Memorial Hermann Health System. He served as Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Memorial Southeast Hospital, one of the system’s original community hospitals. When structural damage threatened the aging facility, Steve successfully led the effort to build a new, state-of-the-art replacement hospital on Astoria Boulevard near Clear Lake City.
In 1994, Steve embraced a new and deeply fulfilling challenge when he became Vice President and CEO of Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital. With unwavering dedication, he inspired and developed his leadership team and employees, guiding the hospital to become the premier healthcare provider in Montgomery County and a flagship institution within the Memorial Hermann Health System.
Steve was deeply loved and respected by employees, volunteers, and medical staff alike. For two decades, he personally served Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas morning meals to those working on the holidays, a tradition that reflected his genuine appreciation for every member of the hospital family. He made it his mission to know employees, volunteers, and physicians by name, regularly walking through every department to express his gratitude. He especially cherished visits to the Nursery, where he delighted in holding newborns. Thousands of babies born at The Woodlands Hospital between 1994 and 2014 bear Steve’s signature on their birth certificates. Among his most treasured moments as CEO were the annual employee awards ceremonies, where he took great pride in celebrating achievements and meeting the families who supported those honorees.
Beyond the hospital walls, Steve was a tireless advocate for his community. He served as Chairman of the Boards of Directors for The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce, The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership, Yes to Youth, Lone Star College Foundation, and LifeGift, the organ procurement organization for North, Southeast, and West Texas. He was a founding member of Leadership Montgomery County’s leadership board and served on the Medical Advisory Board for Interfaith of The Woodlands. Steve also played an instrumental role in bringing IRONMAN, the world’s premier triathlon series, to The Woodlands—an event that continues to generate an estimated $15 million annual economic impact for the community.
Steve considered his proudest professional achievement to be the Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center, which he shepherded from concept to reality. He regarded Canopy as his enduring legacy, insisting that its services be provided at no cost to all who sought comfort, refuge, and support.
Despite a demanding career and extensive volunteer commitments, Steve embraced life’s pleasures. He was an avid golfer, playing regularly with weekly groups and proudly achieving his one and only hole-in-one. He also cherished monthly poker nights filled with laughter, camaraderie, and lasting friendships.
Steve was known for his sharp wit, warm humor, and unmistakable deep belly laugh. He was equally recognized—and often admired—for his striking prematurely white hair, impeccable attire, and polished shoes, a standard instilled by his father. Whether running a quick errand or attending a formal event, Steve believed in presenting himself with care and dignity, often saying, “You never know who you might run into.”
After retirement, Steve and his wife Kathy looked forward to traveling and new adventures together. Tragically, those plans were curtailed by six difficult years of progressive decline, culminating in a diagnosis of Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). Following several serious fall-related injuries, Steve spent his final years in memory care, where he passed peacefully with Kathy by his side.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Charlotte Marie Sanders Rice and Michelle Annette Sanders Bullard. He is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years, Kathryn Massey Sanders; his son, U.S. Air Force Lt. Colonel Ryan Patrick Sanders; daughter-in-law Lauren Gillespie Sanders; grandchildren Avery Beth Sanders and Crew Jennings Sanders; stepson Jimmy Bounds, Jr.; nephews Jeremy and Dustin Bullard; niece Courtney Bullard; and numerous extended family members, friends, and former colleagues.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to The Cottages at Clear Lake in League City and Affinity Hospice in Webster for their compassionate care.
Friends are invited to a visitation with the family from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Forest Park–The Woodlands Funeral Home and Cemetery, 18000 I-45 South, The Woodlands, Texas 77384.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in the Sanctuary of The Woodlands Methodist Church, 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77380, with Dr. Edmund Robb III officiating. Guests are asked to use The Atrium entrance (#1). A reception with light refreshments will follow in Wesley Hall.
Steve’s poker and golf friends will serve as honorary pallbearers: The Honorable Craig Doyal, Sheriff Tommy Williams, Barry Millenson, Gil Staley, Taylor Watkins, Bret Strong, Bruce Tough, Tim Welbes, Mike Karlins, Michael Barnhill, Danny Schroeder, Rhese Hoylman III, Jim Carmens, Steve Head, Bob Udell, and—present in spirit and never forgotten—Jim Blair and John Holman.
Steve will be laid to rest in a private family burial ceremony with full military honors provided by the U.S. Army Honor Guard at Forest Park–The Woodlands following the reception.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts honoring Steve’s passion for community service may be made to support the Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center online at www.memorialhermann.org/canopy
, by mail to 929 Gessner, Suite 2650, Houston, Texas 77024, or by phone at (713) 242-4400.
Throughout his career, Steve received numerous awards and accolades, including:
• The Paul Harris Award, Rotary Club of The Woodlands
• Volunteer of the Year, The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce
• Honoree, 2006 Heart Ball, American Heart Association (Montgomery County)
• 2009 Hometown Hero, Interfaith of The Woodlands
• Proclamation of “Steve Sanders Day,” May 7, 2014, The Woodlands Township
• Honorary Admiral of the Texas Navy, Governor Greg Abbott
• Numerous commendations from the U.S. House of Representatives, The Honorable Kevin Brady
• Dan S. Wilford Leadership Award, Memorial Hermann Health System
Steve Sanders touched countless lives through his kindness, leadership, and unwavering commitment to others. His legacy will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/12697806?utm_source=obit_link_txt
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