Jerry Ray Sanson

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Jerry Ray Sanson

Fri, 11/20/2020 - 03:27
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At 8:15 a.m. Monday, Nov. 9, 2020, Jerry Ray Sanson, 80, departed this world to continue his kind, caring and gentle demeanor in heaven. Although he was a strongwilled man, his strength could not overcome the complications compounded by a stroke.

Jerry Sanson, born in Wheeling, 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 Sept. 6, 1959, Jerry and Betty were wed in Wheeling.

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. 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. Gary Ray Sanson, married to Kim McElwee, resides in Excelsior Springs.

Jerry and Betty were blessed with two grandsons, Brody Ray Sanson and Jacob Simmons. Jerry and Betty 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. 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, 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, 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. He will always be in our lives.

His remains will be placed at the Resthaven Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Chillicothe. 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/.