Nuel Eugene Sanders

Nuel is survived by his devoted wife, Judy, of 55 years; his daughter, Dawn L Driver (Sanders), son, Timothy C. Jewell, son-in law, Dana R Driver, daughter-in-law, Paula Sanders (Turley); four grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Gregory W. Sanders; parents, Nuel and Ada Sanders; sisters, LaVerne Smith and Wanda McGechie.

He was born in Snomac, OK, August 5, 1932. At a young age his family moved to Moore County, Texas. He attended Dumas, TX public schools and was truly a “Ding-Dong Daddy” from Dumas. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1950 serving as countermeasures and radar operator flying P2V Neptune aircraft. During the Korean War his operational tours were flown from Atsugi, Japan and Kodiak, Alaska. Nuel’s time as a Naval aviator ignited his life-long passion for aeronautics and avionics. He was separated from the U.S. Navy in 1953.

Nuel joined North American Aviation/Rockwell International in 1955, retiring in 1988. At North American/Rockwell he was a project manager for the Minuteman missile program and served as project manager for the company’s development of the first NASA Space Shuttle. After retirement he formed his own aeronautics consultancy firm NES Corp. He also consulted at Aerojet. Nuel has also been honored and recognized by the Air Force Association and Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, with his name placed on the “Wall of Honor” in Washington, D.C. Nuel also enjoyed flying his Cessna 170 aircraft as a hobby and taking family on trips.

His work took him around the world; living and working in California, Europe and Japan, Washington and Utah. Nuel and Judy finally retired in Sun Lakes, AZ in 1996.

Nuel had the biggest and kindest heart. He was actively involved in communities wherever his assignments took him. He was the first to help someone in need, as exemplified by his involvement with Neighbors Who Care organization. Nuel enjoyed watching Diamondback baseball, playing cards, traveling and cruising the Seven Seas. An avid sportsman, golfing, water and snow skiing and sport fishing.

Nuel was president of the Utah Air Force Association and was an active member of the Korean War Veterans Association. He played his last cribbage game and won in August 2026! This loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather will be greatly missed.

A Graveside and Committal Service with US Navy honors will be held at Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery, 10940 E Chandler Heights Rd, Chandler, AZ 85248 on September 10, 2026, at 11:00 am.