Michael K Sanders, Jr.

Michael Kenneth Sanders, Jr. peacefully left this earth on Thursday, February 8, 2024 to begin construction on his long anticipated moon colony.

He passed away from a sudden and aggressive infection leading to heart failure. He was 45 years old.

Completing his work earthside are his devoted parents, Carolyn and Michael K. Sanders, Sr., his sister Carrie, whom he adored, his former wife and friend, Jessica Sanders, and his beloved dog companion, Dixie.

Michael is also survived by five Aunts (Ann, Cathi, Cindy, Susie, Donna), four Uncles (Billy, Mark, Tony, Jim), eleven cousins (Meredith, Jimmy, Amanda, Jake, Katie, Mandy, Lizzy, Noah, Grace, AJ and Alex, who was also Michael's godson), two nephews (Nolan & Nyles) and too many friends, colleagues and extended family to count. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Genevieve & Donald Sanders, Sr. and Carolyn & William "Pop" Zaryski, and an uncle, Donald Sanders, Jr.

Michael was born on May 28, 1978 in Houma, Louisiana. He grew up in Houston, Texas, graduating from Cypress Falls High School (Class of 1996). He went on to become a proud Longhorn, graduating from the McCombs Business School at the University of Texas at Austin (Class of 2000). Following college, Michael moved to New York, NY in 2001 and enjoyed an accomplished career in Advertising Sales, working at the lauded firm Ogilvy & Mather and, later, AMC Networks. It was also in NYC that Michael met Jessica in 2004. They married in 2010 and enjoyed many challenging but ultimately rewarding years together. Despite their recent divorce, a deep and lasting friendship continued.

Professionally, Michael's entrepreneurial spirit took hold and in 2010, he left NYC and returned to Texas with Jessica. They went on to open two successful bars together in Austin, of which he was enormously proud. Following his years of work in hospitality, Michael eventually settled back in New Orleans and leveraged his numerous talents, first in overseeing a gorgeous and inspired re-design of his grandparents former 50+ year old home and then, in recent years, to projects ranging from retail sales to real estate to consulting.

He was a well-liked, trusted and generous neighbor to those who shared the street with him and the Sanders family home. Michael was a lifelong Type 1 diabetic and an advocate for others who were as determined as he was to live fully with their diagnosis.

There was no opinion or emotion left unexpressed by Michael, and often at top volume. He was smart, wickedly funny, a fantastic dancer and cook, stylish, particular and exacting in his excellent taste and a devoted fan of the New Orleans Saints and Houston Astros. He was always the consummate host and entertainer. He could talk to or befriend anyone - he simply never knew a stranger, regardless of where he went in his many travels around the world.

A proper obituary is ideally a full and honest accounting of one's life. It's true that The Michael Show could be a comedy or a drama depending on the day; regardless, we are left feeling so fortunate to have had a ticket.

Rest long and rest well, Michael. You are fiercely loved just as you fiercely loved us. You are missed here. We'll see you on the moon. Save a corner seat for us.

A celebration for Michael will be held on Saturday, May 4th, 2024 in Houston, Texas. Details to follow.

In Michael's memory, please consider a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.