Theodore "Ted" Ferguson Sanders

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 after a lengthy battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Ted was born in August of 1951 in Corsicana, Texas where he learned a strong work ethic and good natured disposition before attending Colorado State University. After undergrad he met the love of his life Jane Miller in Denver where they married. They eventually settled in Austin, Texas in 1982 in the place they would call their forever home. They joyously celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in August 2025.

After earning a Bachelors’ of Science in Animal Science from Colorado State and a Masters Degree in Agricultural Finance from Texas A&M University, Ted worked at Farm Credit Bank in Austin for 33 years as an agricultural banker, specializing in risk assessment. Ted was a model of a healthy work life balance, choosing to spend time away from work with Jane and their 3 boys. He was a wonderful father and showcased his love by showing up at every opportunity. He never turned down an opportunity to play catch or shoot hoops with the boys before and after dinner, attended sporting events, volunteered at the church and in the community and traveled to all parts of the world with Jane. Ted had a special interest in aviation acquired as a young man, a love for history, and an affection for the mountains that was passed on to each of his sons. He bonded with friends and family over a shared love of reading. Some of his favorite memories were road trips to the Rocky Mountains to visit locales from his past to share with his family. He enjoyed supporting his sons and granddaughters in all of their endeavors no matter how big or small they seemed.

Ted and Jane were surrounded by a strong network of friends and family, some of more than 40 years that would describe Ted as quiet but friendly, loyal, steady and reliable, curious, and generous with his time. He was always eager to lend a helping hand or an encouraging word. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather willing to share wisdom and swap tales. Ted was a stable and calming presence for each of his family members. He would sit patiently and listen to a problem and then offer a subtle and oftentimes accurate, rational suggestion to move forward. In recent years he enjoyed countless hours at the dinner room table playing cards and board games with Jane and their entire family.

Ted is survived by Jane and their 3 sons and their families; Matt and his wife Jennifer and their 3 daughters, Layla, Mayleigh and Josie. Drew and his 3 daughters, Jocelyn, Brenna and Diona. Ben and his wife Lizzie.

A celebration of life will be held on January 23, 2026 at 2:00 pm at St. John's UMC Austin, 2140 Allandale Rd, Austin, TX 78756.

In lieu of flowers, the Sanders family ask that donations be made to Saint John's UMC Austin, Hospice Austin or a charity of your choice.