Phillip Aron

Sanders

In Loving Memory of Phillip Aron Sanders August 16, 1962 – November 9, 2026 

Phillip Aron Sanders, affectionately known as Phil, passed away at the age of 64, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering faith, boundless generosity, hard work, and a love for others that will never be forgotten.  Phil was born on August 16, 1962, in Hearne, Texas, to James and Patsy Sanders. He grew up in Franklin, Texas, and graduated from Franklin High School in 1981.

Never one to shy away from hard work, Phil began his career at a young age, roughnecking in the oilfields. After meeting the love of his life, Stephanie, he pursued his education at Texas College of Business, completing two years of study before embarking on what would become a lifetime of entrepreneurial ventures. Phil founded Sanders Utility Construction, a business he successfully owned and operated for approximately 20 years. His entrepreneurial spirit and innovative mind later led him to establish Superior Trailers, where he designed and developed specialized cooling trailers for the oilfield industry. His ventures didn’t stop there. From operating a propane business to creating custom-labeled bottled water for schools and businesses, Phil was always dreaming up his next big idea. He was a man of vision, determination, and an extraordinary work ethic. 

Although health challenges led him to “retire” around 2015, anyone who knew Phil understood that retirement was simply not in his vocabulary. He poured his energy into maintaining his beloved homeplace, making sure every detail was just right. He enjoyed NASCAR, traveling in his RV, and especially spending time on the golf course with his lifelong buddies. Those friendships, filled with laughter, stories, and years of memories, meant the world to him. 

But above all else, Phil’s greatest passion was Jesus Christ. His faith wasn’t simply something he practiced on Sundays; it was the very foundation of who he was. Phil never missed an opportunity to share the love and Gospel of Jesus Christ. It didn’t matter where he was, who he was talking to, or what time of day it was. If he felt the Holy Spirit leading him, he answered that call without hesitation. Through countless conversations, unexpected encounters, and simple acts of kindness, Phil touched lives and led others to Christ. His greatest joy was knowing that someone else had come to know the Savior he loved so deeply.

Second only to his love for God was Phil’s deep and unwavering love for his family. His wife, Stephanie, and their children were among his greatest blessings and proudest accomplishments. Phil truly had a servant’s heart. He lived to give, to help, to encourage, and to make a difference in the lives of others. He never met a stranger. Within minutes of meeting Phil, you felt as though you had known him your entire life. He had a gift for conversation, an unforgettable personality, and oh, the stories he could tell! Whether sharing a laugh, offering a helping hand, or speaking about his faith, Phil had a way of making everyone feel welcome, valued, and loved.

Phil is survived by his loving wife, Stephanie Sanders; his sons, Brandon Aron Sanders and his partner, Justin, and Isaiah Dwayne Sanders; his bonus daughter, Kinleigh Michele Lee; his mother, Patsy Elliott Sanders; his brothers, Keith Sanders and wife Lisa, and Terry Sanders; his brothers-in-law, Robert Gober and wife Jamie, Robbie Gober and wife Chris, and Cody Gober; and his father-in-law, Reggie Gober. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and countless dear friends whom he loved deeply.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Sanders; his grandparents, Sonny and Dorothy Elliott and Ernest and Maudie Sanders; his mother-in-law, Terry Scrimshire; and his brother-in-law, James Gober and sister-in-law, Kristian Buchanan.

While his absence leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who loved him, his family finds comfort in knowing that the faith Phil so boldly proclaimed throughout his life has now become sight. Phil’s greatest legacy will not be measured by the businesses he built, the things he accomplished, or the possessions he acquired, but by the family he loved, the lives he touched, the love he gave, and the souls he helped lead to Jesus Christ. He lived his faith, loved his family wholeheartedly, served others selflessly, and never wavered in his love for the Lord. And we can almost hear the words he lived his life to hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

A graveside service celebrating Phil’s life will be held Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Texas.

Serving as pallbearers: Sonny Tindle, Bobby Fleming, Robert Gober, Cody Gober, Shane Sanders and Craig Miller