Sylvester Sadler

Sylvester “Sonny Boy” Sadler, beloved brother, uncle and friend, peacefully departed this life at the age of eighty-two on July 15, 2025 in Saint Louis, Missouri. Born on July 31, 1942 in Tupelo, Mississippi, Sonny Boy was the eldest of five children born to the late Willie and Corine (Ward) Sadler. During the Great Migration, Sonny Boy’s family relocated to Morehouse, Missouri, where they farmed their own land. From a young age, he worked alongside his parents, learning the value of hard work, family and perseverance. The family later made Saint Louis their home, where Sonny Boy would remain for most of his life. Sonny Boy received his early education at Simmons Colored School in Southeast Missouri and graduated from Soldan Senior High School in the Saint Louis Public School System. Raised in a Christian, God-fearing home, he maintained his faith throughout his life. Even as his health declined, he attended worship services at Renaissance Place Senior Living, where he resided for over a decade. Sylvester married Hattie Mae in 1979, they lived separately but remained married until her death in 2023. No children were born to this union. Sonny Boy was employed by Colonial Baking Company of Saint Louis and retired as a Meat Cutter for Crown Foods. He was a man of deep passion—especially for music, baseball and horse racing. He also enjoyed occasional visits to “the boat,” always full of stories and laughter. His musical taste was broad and soulful, spanning gospel, rhythm and blues and traditional blues. His favorite song, “Everyday People” by Sly and the Family Stone, perfectly captured his spirit—joyful, accepting and devoted to those he loved. Sonny Boy was preceded in death by his wife, Hattie Mae; his parents, Willie and Corine Sadler; his brothers, Robert and Ollie Sadler; his nephews, Kenneth Ellis and Myron Hughes; nieces, Cathy and Terri Ellis; great niece, Crystal Jackson; sister-in-law, Betrina Sadler and brother-in-law, Tommy Poole. Sonny Boy’s legacy lives on in the many lives he touched—with kindness, laughter and that unmistakable spark of joy. He leaves to mourn: his baby brother ~ Charles Sadler of Baltimore, Maryland; his beloved sister ~ Lucille Sadler of Saint Louis, Missouri; her children ~ Charles, John and Jerry Ellis; children of his brother Ollie ~ John Sadler, Juan and Maurice Hamilton and Marquentis Johnson; and special caregiver ~ Mark Ellis, Sr.

Tributes

Sylvester Sadler

July 31, 1942 - July 14, 2025