Kevin Lee Thomas Sanders, age 20, of Viola, Arkansas, passed away on July 18, 2026. He was born on March 30, 2006, in Elizabeth, Arkansas.

From the very beginning, Kevin was a bright light in this world. He was an amazing son, a loving brother, a cherished grandson, a devoted family member, and the kind of friend who could turn a stranger into family almost instantly. Kevin loved his family and friends above all else, and he made sure the people around him always felt seen, valued, supported, and deeply loved.

Kevin had a true cowboy soul through and through. He loved being outdoors, horseback riding, farming, working with his hands, playing tennis, and spending time with the people he cared about. He found beauty and peace in the sunshine, especially in summer sunrises and sunsets. Kevin also had an extraordinary love for animals. Whether they were large or small, he cared for them with patience, tenderness, and compassion.

Kevin was known for his incredible determination. In January 2021, he survived a near-fatal car accident and fought courageously to regain the full use of his pelvis and right arm. The accident caused him to nearly fail the ninth grade, but Kevin refused to let that hardship define his future. During his tenth-grade year, he doubled his classes, worked tirelessly, and ultimately graduated from high school with honors.

Before graduating from high school, Kevin completed the coursework necessary to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. He later attended Evangel University, where he was pursuing an education to become a physical therapist. Kevin wanted to use his own experiences to help others recover from life-changing injuries and to give back the same care and encouragement that had once been given to him.

At the time of his passing, Kevin was working as a veterinary technician and ranch hand in Linn, Kansas. He was able to spend his days doing work he genuinely loved while continuing to pursue his education and his dream of helping others.

Kevin never met a stranger. His warm smile, contagious laugh, playful personality, and enormous heart could change the atmosphere of any room he entered. It was nearly impossible to spend time with Kevin without leaving with a smile and feeling more loved than before. Anyone fortunate enough to know him experienced kindness and compassion in their purest form.

Kevin was supportive, encouraging, funny, adventurous, and always willing to help. No matter how unusual the plan, how spontaneous the adventure, or how difficult the situation, Kevin was all in. He never judged others and always encouraged them to be themselves. He was someone people could call to talk about anything, knowing he would listen with an open heart.

Kevin went out of his way to make certain that no one around him ever felt forgotten, unloved, or alone. He was grateful for even the smallest acts of kindness and freely offered love without expecting anything in return. If love and support could be a person, they would have been Kevin.

Kevin was preceded in death by his uncle, Clint Sanders; his MeMaw, Iris Eriksen; his Grandma Foster, Ruth Foster; and his grandpa, Daniel Kincaid and many great aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his loving sister, Cassidy Sanders and Dylon Young; his brothers, Beau Sanders and Carter Dicks; his devoted mother and stepfather, Keturah and Joshua Dicks; his caring father, Casey Sanders; his grandparents, Carolina and Delmar Sanders; his uncle Danny Lee and aunt Penny Kincaid; his aunt Maggie Kincaid; his sister Morgan and Gus Halliburt; and many other beloved family members, cousins, and friends who considered him family.

Although Kevin’s life was far too short, the love he gave will continue to create a ripple that reaches far beyond his lifetime. He will be remembered in every act of kindness, every person who takes the time to help someone in need, every animal cared for with gentleness, and every effort to make another person feel valued and loved.

He will be remembered in the long, meaningful conversations about life, in spontaneous adventures, in contagious laughter, and in every beautiful summer sunrise and sunset. The world will feel darker without Kevin’s sunshining personality, but the light he gave to others will never fade.

Kevin’s last ride into the sunset came far too soon, but who he was will live on forever in the hearts of everyone who loved him and remembered in the beauty of every sunrise.

Rest easy, Kevin. You touched countless lives with your pure heart, boundless compassion, and unforgettable smile. You are loved beyond measure, deeply missed, and will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 pm at Kirby & Family Funeral Home, 600 Hospital Drive, Mountain Home, AR 72653.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 2:30 PM at the Viola Baptist Church. Burial will follow at the Elizabeth Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Arrangements are being handled by Kirby & Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 600 Hospital Drive, Mountain Home, AR 72653. Visit the online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com.