Edward "Steve" Sansom

Dr. E. Steve Sansom, a gifted educator, published author, and lifelong mentor, passed away after 81 remarkable years devoted to learning, teaching, and the people he loved. Born March 12, 1944, in Greenville, Texas, to Margaret and Theo Sansom, Steve shone early in academics, athletics, and music — leading sports teams, hurdling to state recognition, and singing tenor at school events. His drive earned him an athletic scholarship to the University of Texas at Austin, where he also pursued his true love: literature. He went on to earn his B.A. in English in 1966, his M.A. from Texas State University in 1968, and his Ph.D. from Texas Christian University in 1973. His academic career spanned nearly five decades, beginning at Our Lady of the Lake University and continuing at Lone Star College–North Harris, where he taught for almost 40 years and chaired the English, Philosophy, and Communication Department until his retirement in 2022. A scholar of literature and rhetoric, Steve authored essays on Matthew Arnold and co-authored widely used textbooks on writing and composition. His colleagues and students alike remember his profound contributions to the classroom, where his eyes lit up when he spoke about literature, and his compassion extended to every student, whether they needed encouragement, advice, or a (not so) gentle nudge to do better. Many of his colleagues became part of his extended family, bound together by his mentorship, wit, and loyalty. He was preceded in death by his very understanding and tolerant wife of 21 years, Alisa Henley Sansom, and his lifelong obsession, English poet and cultural critic Matthew Arnold. He leaves behind his beloved children, Geoffrey (Lisa) Sansom, and Kate (Tim) Fransioli; his brother, Ted (Ann) Sansom; his sisters, Patti (Terry) Foster, Nancy Wendler, and Cyndi (Eric) Poe; and his brilliant grandchildren, Caroline, Jill, Saxon, Revan, Brian, Brandon, and Mila. Steve’s love extended deeply to his stepfamily, including his stepchildren, Morgan (Morgan) Reagan, and Daniel (Adrian) Henley; and his step-grandchildren, Breck, Colbie, Remie, and Rorie. He is also remembered by his lifelong friend and the mother of his kids, Jan Sansom. Even further beyond his family, he leaves his legacy on the thousands of students whose lives he has impacted over the nearly 50 years of his teaching career. Beyond the classroom, Steve was stubborn, hilarious, and endlessly kind. He loved Peanut M&Ms, cookies, Longhorn football (except when they lost), his dog Arnie, and getting lost in a great book. He gave advice freely, whistled loud enough to stop traffic, and had hugs that could fix anything. Always well dressed, occasionally infuriating, sometimes hard to love — he loved with everything he had. Steve’s legacy lives on in the thousands of students he taught, the colleagues he mentored, the readers who learned from his words, and the family and friends who knew both his brilliance and his humanity. His life was one of deep meaning, profound influence, and unfailing love. The world will never be the same without him.

Edward "Steve" Sansom

March 12, 1944 - September 16, 2025