Barry Sanders

Barry Russell Sanders, 77, passed away on June 13 th, 2020. He was born in Wichita, Kansas, to Henry Shanks and Dorothy Helen Sanders. On June 1 st, 1972, he married his love Cora Jane Turner in the Manti LDS temple.

Barry grew up in Maupin, Oregon, where he lettered in multiple sports and was senior class president. After high school, he wrestled for Brigham Young University and joined the Air Force ROTC. After graduating from BYU in 1966, Barry served in the US Air Force and achieved the rank of captain. He bravely completed a tour of duty in Da Nang Vietnam (68-69), and received numerous medals of accommodations from the U.S. Air Force. In 1980, Barry was Honorably medically discharged from the Air Force due to health complications resulting from Agent Orange exposure. Retiring from the Air Force did not diminish Barry’s love of country and aircraft, and he regularly shared his extensive military knowledge with his children, each of whom can produce fighter jet identification with surprising speed. Barry’s mechanical skill and tinkering sensibilities enabled his other fond pass time – restoring, fixing, and otherwise “playing” with cars, especially British sports cars and American muscle cars. Chevrolet inspired a particular loyalty in his heart, and his last vehicles included a Chevy Camaro and Silverado truck.

Barry was the embodiment of duty and loyalty. He suffered greatly, and ultimately died, from health complications caused by his exposure to Agent Orange, but when asked how he felt about the impact of that exposure on his health, he replied that he was always willing to lay down his life for his country and that he was just doing it later than some of his friends. He was a patriot to the end.

Most importantly, Barry was a stellar husband, father, and grandfather. He spent endless hours helping with home repair projects, attending concerts, plays, and athletic events, and grilling for family meals. He cherished his time with grandchildren, always ensuring they had a treat or gift that showed his love. His dedication, hard work, and selflessness are his lasting legacy.

Barry is survived by: his wife Jane Sanders of Orem, UT; his three children David Sanders of Las Vegas, NV, Amy Cox of Orem, UT, and Scott (Jennie) Sanders of Provo, UT; six grandchildren, and four sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Dorothy Sanders.

A Private Family Memorial services can be viewed via a Zoom Video conference on Wednesday, June 17 th, at 11:00 am MST. We ask anyone joining via zoom to mute their microphones during the services. A recorded video of the services will also be available to those interested. Finally, instead of flowers, the family asks you to make a donation to https://www.avalonhealthcare.com/payson/ on behalf of Barry.

Zoom Invitation: https://byu.zoom.us/j/92936878459

Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.