Stephen Brett Sanders, age 33, of Springfield, MO, passed away on July 14, 2026. Stephen was born to Kenton Dean Sanders and Christy Ann (Payne) Sanders on November 26, 1992, in Springfield, MO. He was raised in Springfield and graduated from Kickapoo High School in 2011. Stephen was united in marriage to Jessica Houke on August 5, 2018. Stephen and Jessica shared nearly 8 years of marriage before Stephen’s untimely passing. The couple were blessed with three children, James Kenton, Jude Robert and Grace Eliza.

Stephen was raised under the faithful gospel ministry of Second Baptist Church and was born again and baptized there as a child. He met Jessica in the Vine College Ministry at Second Baptist. Upon marriage, they became faithful members at One Community Church then moved to Boulevard Baptist Church where he diligently served as a deacon. Two years ago, they were lead to join Coram Deo Reformed Church. Stephen is fondly remembered as a dear friend and servant of Jesus Christ in each one of these congregations.

Stephen received his Doctor of Pharmacy in 2018 and was employed as a pharmacist for the past eight years. When not working, he had many interests and pastimes including reading, talking about the things of God, playing with his children, laughing with his bride, leading small groups and worship with his family, and faithfully serving the church. Stephen will be remembered as a loving father, faithful husband, a precious son, a dear brother, and a true worshipper of the one true living God, Jesus the Christ.

Stephen was preceded in death by his grandfather Jackie Dean Sanders. He is survived by: His wife Jessica, and three children James, Jude and Grace;  his father Kent, mother Christy and sister Karissa Brooke (Sanders) Brown; his grandparents James Duane Payne and his wife Jan, Betty Ann Butler and her husband Ray, and Barbara Ann Sanders.

A visitation for Stephen will be held on Wednesday, July 22, from 6 to 8 pm, at Second Baptist Church in Springfield, MO. A funeral service will be held the following day, Thursday, July 23, at 10 AM at Second Baptist Church with burial to follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in Springfield, MO.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Stephen’s memory to Coram Deo Reformed Church (online at coramdeosgf.church or cash/check to 2030 N. Missouri Avenue Springfield, MO 65803).