1932-2026
Gerald “Jerry” Elton Sanderson, 93, passed away January 10, 2026, at Ascension St. Francis, Wichita. He was born the fourth of five children, on February 3, 1932, in Hutchinson, to Charles Elton and Gladys Alma (McClintock) Sanderson.
Jerry graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1950 and attended Hutchinson Community College in 1952. He joined the Naval Reserve shortly after school and went on active duty in December of 1952, during the Korean War. He worked in the Navy Disbursing Office in Oakland Navy Supply Annex at Stocketon, CA, until September of 1954. After serving his country, he moved to Wichita to pursue his education, graduating from Wichita State University in 1956 with a Bachelors of Business Administration in accounting and economics. Following his graduation from WSU, he started working as an accountant in South America for Creole Petroleum, a subsidiary of Exxon Mobil Corporation. He was a member of Creole’s financial supervisory management group and later as an advisor to the nationalized South American oil company during his 30-year career, eventually retiring in 1986.
In South America, flying was a major recreational activity, along with scuba diving, genealogy, photography, and astrology. Jerry enjoyed flying his own plane within South America, the Caribbean Islands, and twice- flying round trips to Hutchinson. On Bastille Day, July 19, 1979, he flew in the Ango- French supersonic Concorde Jet, from South America to France, at twice the speed of sound. Jerry had been an active board member on a Creole retirement group, and serving in different roles for his neighborhood. Above all, spending time with his family is what was most important for Jerry, he took pride in attending every activity he could for his 15 nieces, nephews, and all their families.
Jerry is survived by: his 15 nieces and nephews; and various family members.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; brothers, Marlin and Carl; and sisters, Lucille and Joyce.
A private family graveside service will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may sign his memorial book at Elliott Mortuary. Military honors will be conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to, American Legion Lysle Rishel Post # 68 or to the donor’s choice, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
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