Theodore "Ted" Ferguson Sanders

Theodore Ferguson Sanders passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday December 9th, 2025 after a lengthy battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Ted was born in August of 1951 in Corsicana, Texas his loving and doting parents Mary Love and Bascom Lynn Sanders Jr. He spent his early years as many boys do, trying to catch up to his older brother Lynn, playing sports and finding adventure around every corner in small town East Texas. Ted was an avid reader and a lifelong learner, something he surely developed while observing his mother Mary Love, whom he was very close to. As a young man, he worked at his father’s grain elevator learning a powerful work ethic from his father Lynn. He enjoyed being part of the Sanders boy duo with Lynn, carrying that tight brother bond into adulthood. Some of Ted’s favorite memories with Lynn included a snowmobile trek through Yellowstone one winter, the Sanders boys traversing the wild west together again. His family’s respect of others, unconditional love and support was crucial to his development, forming the foundation of how he would conduct his life and guide his own family.

Ted left Corsicana after high school, 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. Ted was preceded in death by his mother Mary Love Ferguson Sanders, his father Bascom Lynn Sanders Jr. and his brother B. Lynn Sanders III.

A celebration of life will be held on January 23, 2026 at St. John's UMC Austin.

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.