Deryl Sanders

Deryl Ray Sanders returned to heaven on Thursday, July 23, 2026, joining his son, Van Wyatt Sanders and granddaughter, Ava Luna Sanders in what he said would be "a celebration in heaven" when his time came. He passed peacefully surrounded by his wife and daughter. Bad Boys II, a movie he and Van enjoyed together, was playing fittingly in the background and made it feel all together in a way.

Deryl was born December 13, 1959, at Deaconess Hospital in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to William "Colonel" Elvis Sanders and Alma Jean (Sticher) Sanders, both of Oklahoma. He always pointed out it was also the same hospital where his son was later born. Deryl grew up in Oklahoma City, spending time with grandparents and cousins in Elk City, OK, and graduating from Northwest Classen High School.

Deryl married his wife, Jennifer Jill Jones, of Oklahoma on March 24, 1993 in the Parish of Jefferson, Louisiana, while living in New Orleans. One of his favorite stories to tell was the Cajun officiant changing the wedding date saying, "No cher, today's not a good day to get married, its start of shrimpin' season" or "No cher, that's crawfish season" until one day he called saying "Today a good day to get married, cher" and rushing to gather everyone.

Professionally, Deryl often described himself as a "jack of all trades." He possessed an exceptional ability to work with his hands and could do nearly anything he set his mind to. His talents included building and restoring cars, construction, carpentry, electrical work, computer repair, and even jewelry repair. Yet, of all the skills he mastered, the title he held most proudly was that of Audio Engineer.

What began as volunteering his time and talents eventually grew into an extraordinary career in live sound production. Through years of dedication and hard work, Deryl earned the opportunity to tour with some of the world's biggest bands and work at major events. Throughout his career, he provided audio engineering for legendary artists including Styx, Bad Company, Lou Gramm, Foreigner, Paul Rodgers, and Queen, as well as Super Bowl events and countless other high-profile productions.

Deryl lived a life so full, so wild, and so extraordinary that it could have filled a book - and he often talked about writing one. He was brilliant, in a way you don't come across anymore. He traveled the world as a sound and lighting engineer; his stories were endless, his knowledge unmatched, and his presence unforgettable. Deryl was a walking encyclopedia with a heart of pure gold. He loved deeply, especially his wife, whom he knew was "the one" from the moment he laid eyes on her. Their marriage of over 30 years was one of his favorite stories to tell.

Deryl was a deeply devoted father, who instilled his love of life, wildness, cars, and care for others into his children and all their friends he welcomed as his own. Teaching them to be their own people, strong, funny and capable of handling anything they might encounter.

He adored his grandchildren, Adrian, Ava, Sammy, and Eli Sanders, teaching them how to be capable, confident young men. Whether it was changing tires, airing them up, explaining an oil change, or breaking down the weather radar, Deryl made sure they were prepared for life.

To many, he was more than family; he was a father figure, a rescuer, a protector. After losing his son Van, Deryl became a source of strength and healing. He helped others stay standing even when he was hurting himself. He fixed cars, helped around the house, guided the boys, and made sure his family was safe and supported.

Even through his illness, Deryl stayed strong, thoughtful, and full of love. He joked, he comforted, and he reminded everyone to keep going. His final words were full of hope, humor, and faith - promising celebration in heaven and sending love to Van.

Deryl carried everyone's weight on his shoulders. He built well known buildings, worked with countless people, raised incredible children, and touched every life he crossed.

Through his kind and caring nature, he helped build a family much larger than that of just his own. His loss leaves not just an absence in his immediate family; a vital part of the community is gone. The world feels emptier without him, but his legacy lives on. He will never be forgotten - a wise, sparkling, legendary man whose impact will last forever.

Deryl was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Ava Luna Sanders; son, Van Wyatt Sanders; parents, William "Colonel" Elvis Sanders and Alma Jean Sanders (Sticher); and grandparents, Elvis William Sanders & Ora "Arty" Mae (Gibson) Sanders and Edward Sticher and Alta Lou Verna (Burwell) Sticher.

Deryl is survived by his wife, Jennifer Jill (Jones) Sanders; his daughter, Deryl Rae "Skinny" Sanders; grandsons, Adrian Van Sanders, Sammy Ray Moon Sanders, Eli Wyatt Sanders, Jonathan "Mini Me" De Leon, Armando "Fluffy" Soto, Jorge Galarza, Victor Beltran, Jessica, Chela, and Josie De Leon, all whom he cherished as his own children, as well as countless others he welcomed into his home.

Deryl was passionate about building and working on cars, especially muscle cars, old hot rods and motorcycles. Anything bad and fast. As we did with his son, Van's, service we ask anyone attending if you have a car you love, daily or build, incomplete project or finished, muscle or import, if you love it please bring it and join us in a cruise down ole Route 66 towards Lake Overholser after his services.