Aaron Sanders' Obituary
A precious one from us has gone,
a voice we loved is stilled,
A place is vacant in our home
which never can be filled,And after a lonely heartache,
and many a silent tear,
We’ll always have a beautiful memory
of one we loved so dear.
Aaron Sanders, an esteemed Funeral Director of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away peacefully at UnityPoint Allen Hospital in the Hospice Care Unit, surrounded by his four children, on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at the age of 73. His departure marks the loss of a man whose life was deeply intertwined with community, family, and a commitment to service.
Born on June 18, 1952, in Phillip, Mississippi, Aaron was the son of Mills Sanders Jr. and Rosie Lee (Holmes) Sanders. The Sanders family relocated to Waterloo, Iowa during Aaron’s early childhood, where he spent his formative years. As a young boy, Aaron became an active participant in the Boy Scouts, attending Longfellow Elementary and Logan Junior High before proudly graduating from Waterloo East High School in 1971 and was a member of the Masonic Temple. During his junior high years Aaron met DeVonne Bradford, beginning a lifelong connection. In true Aaron fashion, their first date was memorable – he arrived in style, picking her up in a hearse. They were married in 1972 at Antioch Baptist Church in Waterloo. Though they later separated, they remained great friends, a testament to Aaron’s enduring loyalty and kindness.
Aaron’s faith was an anchor throughout his life and he contributed his time and talents to Sunday School, the children and youth choir, and served as a Trustee. His devotion to his church family was profound and unwavering.
From his teenage years onward, Aaron dedicated himself to the funeral business. He worked at Del Farm Grocery and Johnson Funeral Home, where he honed his skills under the mentorship of the late Montrose Johnson, a bond so meaningful that the selection room at Sanders Funeral Services is dedicated in Montrose’s honor. After high school Aaron pursued mortuary studies in Nashville, Tennessee before returning to Waterloo to attend the University of Northern Iowa. Balancing academics with his passion for music, Aaron was a tuba player in the marching band – a role he embraced with his trademark humor and zest, famously sporting the dancing California Raisins atop his bald head simply because “it’s Aaron Sanders.” He proudly graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor of Applied Science degree.
That same transformative year, Aaron became the proud owner of Sanders Funeral Services. His dedication to the profession also took him to Chicago where he attended Worsham Mortuary School, earning his degree in 1996. A trailblazer in his family, Aaron was the first generation to attend Worsham, paving the way for his daughter Kimberly to become a second-generation graduate. Aaron’s passion for his work was evident; he often took his children on calls, teaching them the nuances of funeral service with gentle care and precision. He loved each family he served and cherished the personal connections, always remembering every name.
Beyond his professional life, Aaron’s heart was open to his community. Known for his generosity, he gave back in countless ways – donating to causes, providing food to those in need, and always seeking to uplift others. Despite the often isolating nature of his profession, Aaron remained deeply engaged with those around him.
Aaron also harbored a great love for antiques, filling his home, the funeral home, and even his front yard with timeless pieces that spoke to his appreciation for history and beauty. When rare free moments came, he enjoyed lively nights out, trips to the casino, and indulging in his love for vehicles. Ever the fashion icon, Aaron loved making a statement, shopping for jewelry, hats, and glasses. His affection extended to his beloved animals, especially his faithful dog Man Man, his constant companion who even accompanied Aaron on rounds to nearby funeral homes.
Aaron’s legacy is carried forward by those who knew and loved him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mills and Rosie Lee Sanders; brothers, Sammie Lee Dell and Obie and Richard Lee Smith; sister, Delorce Eubanks; and grandson, DeMarcus “Flip” Sanders.
He is lovingly survived by his children, Kimberly, Erica, and Aaron Michael, all of Waterloo, Iowa, and Isaiah of Wichita, Kansas, along with his furry son, Man Man. Aaron also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Clifton Jr., Keilani, Jeremiah, Josephine, Iyasiah, Dasauni, Damonie, and Davonie; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Vergesteme Cooper and Vapordeal Sanders, both residing in Waterloo; special friends, Harvey Anderson and Bruce Vaughn; his devoted helper, Dorian Clark; numerous aunts, uncles, family members; and many other cherished friends and helpers.
A celebration of Aaron’s remarkable life and lasting impact will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Antioch Baptist Church in Waterloo, Iowa. Friends and family will gather for visitation on Friday, June 12, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the same location.
Aaron Sanders’ presence enriched the lives of so many, a true pillar of the Waterloo community. Though he has passed, his spirit, kindness, and dedication will forever resonate within the hearts of those who had the privilege to know him. His journey on earth may have ended, but his love and legacy continue to shine brightly.
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