Otho Steve Sanders

Otho Steve Sanders, 93, passed away on October 31, 2015, at the Mississippi State Veterans Nursing Home in Kosciusko, Mississippi. Funeral Services will be Monday, November 2, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Jordan Funeral Home Chapel in Kosciusko, MS with burial In Parkway Cemetery. Steve was born in Sandersville in Jones County on August 10, 1922 to Steven M. Sanders and Minnie Ferguson Sanders. He served in the US Navy during World War II. Upon returning from service he attended The University of Southern Mississippi where he was a charter member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. He transferred to Mississippi State University where he received a degree in agriculture. He was employed by the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) in Kosciusko where he met the love of his life, Tressie Davis, as a result of receiving a parking ticket. Friends enjoyed saying it was the best thing that ever happened to him. They were married in 1951 and lived in Kosciusko the remainder of their lives. Steve was involved in the development of NASCOE, the national and state organization that represents farm service agency county office employees and served as a national and state officer of this organization. His family was near and dear to his heart. He provided a spirit filled home for his two children and was very proud of their families and accomplishments. Family members remember that shortly after the birth of his grandson, he decided it was time for him to retire. He and his wife, Tressie, spent many joyful hours caring for and playing with their three grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing and sharing his love of fishing with family and friends. He was proud to be the great-grandfather to two that were the apple of his eye. He pointed out pictures of them in the past weeks to all that came into his room. He was an active member and deacon at the First Presbyterian Church of Kosciusko. In his later years, he resided at Atwood's Personal Care Home in Kosciusko and for the past nine months has lived at the State Veterans Home in Kosciusko. He was preceded in death by his wife, Tressie Davis Sanders and brothers James Sanders and Paul Sanders. He is survived by his daughter, Patty (Johnny) Draper of Ackerman; his son, Steve (Tammy) Sanders of Ocean Springs; grandson, Reid (Shannon) Draper of Ackerman, granddaughter, Kendall Sanders (Brice) McMurphy of Baton Rouge, LA; granddaughter, Paige Draper (Kevin) Gilbert of Jonesboro, AR, and great-grandsons, Bryce and Dylan Draper, of Ackerman. Memorials may be made to French Camp Academy, 1 Fine Place, French Camp, MS 39745, Kosciusko First Presbyterian Church 603 Smyhte St., Kosciusko, MS 39090 or Ackerman United Methodist Church, Ackerman, MS 39735