Stephen L. Sanders

Stephen L. Sanders obituary, Laguna Niguel, CA

Stephen L. Sanders

Stephen Sanders Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 10, 2024.
Stephen L. Sanders, known as Steve, passed away peacefully in his sleep on his 77th birthday, November 27, 2024, in Laguna Niguel, California. Born on November 27, 1947, in Maywood, California, Steve dedicated his life to the automotive industry, where he began his career as a car salesman. Through hard work and determination, he rose to the positions of General Sales Manager and eventually General Manager, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and customers alike.

Steve was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Mary, and their children: sons Kyle, Kory and Kirk, and daughter Kristine Vaughan. His legacy continues through his 13 cherished grandchildren, each of whom he adored and spoiled with love and attention.

Known for his warm and friendly nature, Steve was a friend to everyone he met. His kindness extended beyond people to animals, as he had a soft spot for rescuing stray cats and dogs, often bringing them home to join the family.

Steve's life was marked by his unwavering dedication to his family, his career, and his community. His generosity and compassion left a lasting impact on all who knew him. He will be remembered for his infectious smile, his love for animals, and his ability to make everyone feel welcome and valued.

In honoring Steve's memory, his family invites those who knew him to celebrate his life and the joy he brought to others. His spirit will live on in the hearts of his loved ones and the countless lives he touched.

Sign Stephen Sanders's Guest Book

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August 9, 2025

cymphoni patterson posted to the memorial.

August 9, 2025

Ashton Sanders posted to the memorial.

August 9, 2025

Evelyn Rios posted to the memorial.

6 Entries

cymphoni patterson

August 9, 2025

my grandpa steve, he was so loving and caring. life hasn't been the same without him, walking into a home he used to live in that feels so dead. he always treated me with the best care no matter what. whenever i needed him he would drop everything he was doing to help me. i wish i could tell him i loved him one more time, or said it more often when he was with us, but i know he knew i loved him. and he loved me too. i miss him so much words cant explain. he was so full of life, so i hope to live like him. i hope he knew how loved he was and how much of an impact he had on everyone. he was someone i always looked up to, my role model, my guide, and forever hero, i'll hold your love in my heart until we meet again grandpa. thank you for watching me above, i know your having a blast in heaven, i love you.

Ashton Sanders

August 9, 2025

Grandpa, it was so sudden, my whole world went upside down when I found out you left this world, you didnt get to watch me wrestle varsity for the first time even though you were looking forward to it, you always believed in me, and always told me id get my letterman jacket, you were always so excited to watch my matches that my mom recorded, you were proud of me you'd always say. All these memories of me and you kept flooding through my mind that I will never forget. like the times you took me to Starbucks before taking me to elementary school, the times you'd drive me in your very cool hot rods that my parents didn't like because they didn't have seatbelts. I will always cherish the time I spent with you and hold them close with me and won't ever let them go. I miss you, Grandpa, and I love you so much.

Evelyn Rios

August 9, 2025

Steve
I don´t know where to start.. I do know that you are truly missed. Not a day goes by where we don´t think about you. You were an awesome Pipa to our kids. Ashton loved your prowler when you would take him out or to school. Brayden loved riding with you because you would go fast in your Mercedes. The girls loved the days when you would pick them up for ice cream. I especially thought it was so funny how you let dovey wrap you around her tiny finger. When she called you would drop everything just to come pick her up and take her for ice cream or McDonald´s you were her best friend. We miss you so much Steve.

Shelia Patterson

July 20, 2025

John Patterson, his brother, his mother Francis Virginia Patterson at her 82nd birthday and Stephen Patterson/Sanders in 2003.

Steve´s Family

July 18, 2025

John Patterson, France´s V Patterson (mother with her boys on her 82nd birthday) Stephen Leroy Patterson/Sanders (taken Chino Ca. 2004)

Kristine Vaughan

December 13, 2024

Called him Steve, but he was my dad. Always there to help us out when we needed something fixed around the house. Happy to help with car advice when we had questions, or call a friend to get us a great deal on a car (he had a million friends in the car industry, everyone knew him). He was the family expert for that and I know he appreciated being helpful in that way. He was a sucker for animals, I remember bringing a few home and he never said "no more". We will miss him.

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Sign Stephen Sanders's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

August 9, 2025

cymphoni patterson posted to the memorial.

August 9, 2025

Ashton Sanders posted to the memorial.

August 9, 2025

Evelyn Rios posted to the memorial.