Obituaries
Obituary
Obituary of Jerry R. Sanson
Please share a memory of Jerry to include in a keepsake book for family and friends.
At 8:15 am Monday, November 9 th . 2020, Jerry Ray
Sanson, 80 years old, departed this world to continue his
kind, caring and gentle demeanor in heaven. Although he
was a strong-willed man, his strength could not overcome the
complications compounded by a stroke.
Jerry Sanson, born in Wheeling, Missouri, was the son of
Harry Ray Sanson and Viva Watson (both deceased). He
was the youngest of five children and was preceded in death by one sister Mildred
and three brothers, Charles, Stanley and William (Junior). He was the last
surviving member of the family.
At 18 years old, while dining in his car at the A&W Root Beer Drive-In in
neighboring Chillicothe, he had his eye on a beautiful carhop, Betty Jane Coon.
After, a few dates he knew she was “The One”. Quoting him, “I was so proud of
her, I took her home to meet my Momma”. Following a traditional courtship, on
September 6, 1959, Jerry and Betty were wed in Wheeling, Missouri. Saying “I
do” kicked off a partnership of love, fun, loyalty and enjoyment of all the goodness
that life could offer. Following 61 years of marriage, his wife, Betty Jane Sanson
remains in their family home in Richmond, Missouri. Their marriage and devotion
to each other is a testament to God’s symbolic emotional and physical joining of
husband and wife.
Jerry and Betty were blessed with two children, their oldest son, Dr. Dale Ray
Sanson resides in Kearney, Missouri; Gary Ray Sanson married to Kim McElwee,
reside in Excelsior Springs Missouri.
Jerry and Betty Sanson were blessed with two grandsons, Brody Ray Sanson and
Jacob Simmons. Jerry and Betty Sanson were blessed to enjoy their children’s
children. Brody and Lindsay Sanson have two children, Kenadee and Leighton
Sanson. Jacob and Melissa Simmons have one child, Amora.
While in his early 20s, Jerry found an opportunity to train as a lineman for the
Rural Electrical Association (REA). He recognized the expansion of electricity to
all households as a promising vocation. His lineman skills transitioned him to
commercial electrical applications at the Ford Motor Assembly Plant in Claycomo,
MO. where he retired in 2000. Following retirement, he continued his vocation
with Sanson Electric, LLC. His reputation for reliability and the insight to
troubleshoot challenging electrical situations, followed him into the residential and
commercial markets.
Jerry, wife Betty and family enjoyed numerous excursions within the United States
to explore geographic and cultural diversities. However, with all the abundant
sightseeing, Jerry and Betty always liked to compare the price of gas to those
“back home”. Jerry’s commitment to fixing challenging electrical problems never
faltered, even when traveling. During a family vacation at Graceland in Memphis,
he missed a phone call by an alarmed customer calling from Missouri. “You need
an electrician?” as he returned the call can still be heard by his stunned family,
interrupting the silence of the tour. He continued to talk and assist the customer
through an electrical problem while the family continued the tour in “The House of
Elvis”.
As he assists St. Peter with rewiring the Pearly Gates and updating the electrical
panels in the Grand Hall, his legacy on earth continues. Through his lifelong
mentorship of Son Gary and Grandson Brody the electrical tradition continues over
three generations. As quoted by his oldest Brother Junior “There ain’t no such
word as can’t, but you can say you tried”; the family will continue to “try” to be
the model of compassion, empathy, hard-work and reliability, you will always be
in our lives.
His remains will be placed at the Resthaven Memorial Gardens Cemetery,
Chillicothe, Missouri. In honor of Jerry’s request a funeral and gravesite ceremony
will not be conducted. However, there will be a Celebration of Life to share stories
of Jerry, fellowship and food at a future date. Family and friends will be notified
when this event is arranged. Please share your favorite memories or upload
pictures via the virtual guestbook; https://hiddenvalleyfunerals.com/.