Jerry Leroy Sanders

Tahlequah, OK- Funeral services for Jerry Leroy Sanders will be held on Monday, August 20th, 2012 at 2:00 PM at Reed-Culver Funeral home with Pastor Troy McCrory of Union Full Gospel Church officiating. Interment will follow at Greenleaf Cemetery in Tahlequah. Visitation for Leroy will be held on Sunday, August 19th, 2012 from 1:00 PM until 6:00 PM. Services have been entrusted to Reed-Culver Funeral Home of Tahlequah.

Jerry Leroy Sanders, or Leroy as he was always known, was born on October 25th, 1940 in Cookson, OK the son of Edward Jerry and Dolly Lillian (Dazzler) Sanders. He attended Union school and later, Tahlequah High School. On November 18th, 1961, he married the love of his life, Betty Ann Prater, at the Assembly of God Church in Tahlequah. Together, they raised two children and enjoyed 51 years of life and love together. Leroy worked as a mechanic, co- owned the business Precision Machine in Muskogee, also worked for Continental Trailways, and the City of Muskogee from which he was retired. Leroy's passion was to be on Lake Tenkiller where fishing, boating, and camping were what brought him peace and contentment. He also loved hiking with his son in Rocky Mountain National Park, and on the trails around his beloved Tahlequah with his special canine buddies Max, Bear and grand-dog Isabella. Leroy loved to watch The Marx Brothers and the classic Universal horror films, his particular favorite being 'Abbot and Costello Meet Frankenstein', but anything with Bela Lugosi or Lon Chaney would suffice. Leroy loved to go out for a meal and the Sanders family reunions were something he always looked forward to and would never miss. He insisted there only be a FORD in his driveway and the music of Bob Wills and Jimmy Rogers were favorites. He enjoyed watching NASCAR, collected old coins and was proud of his Cherokee heritage. He loved any festive event or Holiday that meant the family would gather for a meal, recreation and memories and his constant joking and teasing are what will leave an empty space in the hearts of all who knew him. Leroy was a Christian by faith. The Lord called Leroy to his eternal rest on Tuesday, August 14th, 2012 at St. Johns in Tulsa, OK. He was 71 years old. He is already greatly missed by his family and friends.

Leroy is preceded in death by his mother and father and one sister, Lillian Sanders-James.

Leroys memory will be cherished by his wife, Betty of the home. Leroy leaves one son and one daughter, John "JD" Sanders of Pomona, KS and daughter Kristina Sanders of Tahlequah. He will be missed especially by his beloved and devoted sister Betty Sanders Spencer as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends and loved ones,

some special people include: Hubert Ballard, John P. James, Raymon Spencer, Daisy & Joe Lemley, Jack & Kay Prater, James Jones, Tammy Cooper, and Anita 'Bonita' Brawley.