Gerald W. Sanders (Jerry), 77, Santa Claus
Gerald W. Sanders (Jerry), 77, of Santa Claus, passed away on July 10, 2025, at Willowdale Village in Dale.
He was born in Tell City on April 1, 1948, to Junious and Florence (Gruver) Sanders.
His childhood years were spent in Lincoln City, Indiana.
He married Mildred (Micky) Smith on February 14, 1992 in St. Joseph Church in Dale.
Surviving are his wife, Micky; son, Dwayne (Michelle) of Petersburg; stepdaughter, Angie (Bret) Underhill of Adyeville; four grandchildren, Clayton Sanders, Delaney Sanders, Brandon Underhill, Lauren Sims; two brothers, Douglas of Santa Claus, David (Sue) of Tell City.
Mr. Sanders graduated from Dale High School in 1966. He attended Brescia University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He retired from the National Park Service after 25 years of service, retiring as Supervisory Park Ranger/Historian at Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial. He is the author of two Abraham Lincoln subject books.
He worked with Holiday World’s Patricia Koch on the history of the town of Santa Claus and Holiday World. He was instrumental in researching town history and gathering together the necessary artifacts for the establishment of the Santa Claus Museum. He was also a consultant for three books on the history of Santa Claus, Indiana.
Often in the news, he enjoyed being on television/radio, representing the National Park Service and discussing the history of Abraham Lincoln. He hosted the radio program ‘Along the Lincoln Trail with Jerry Sanders.’ With Huntingburg Mayor Dale Helmerich, he taped and discussed Lincoln subject programs ‘birth to death’ for Channel 27, Jasper, Indiana. He, along with the late Will Koch, appeared on The Colbert Report with Stephen Colbert in September 2006.
He was a lifeguard, Beach Captain and Head Lifeguard during his teen years at Lincoln State Park – at the time he considered it the best Job in America. He especially enjoyed his four years playing football (two years at quarterback) at Dale High School. Until his death, he was a lifelong fan of Heritage Hills High School football and all high school sports in general.
He was especially proud to work with his National Park Service staff at Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, especially in the conduct of the thousands of guided tours provided to school children groups and the conduct of the parks Outdoor Education/Pioneer Skills programs at the Lincoln Living Historical Farm.
He played golf, so-called, with his wife Micky and his extraordinary golfing buddies/friends – the Wednesday Morning Golf Bunch. His many trips to Myrtle Beach, Kentucky, and Tennessee were treasured times with his golfing buddies.
He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a member of the Dale American Legion Post 444.
He, with his wife Micky, especially enjoyed traveling to and visiting America’s National Parks, traveling by cruise ship, observing wildlife, and visiting America’s hidden history and natural treasures.
He loved to garden (especially growing gourds), matchbook collecting, fishing and water activities, Lincoln trivia, collecting Lincoln Image Prints, Lincoln history, the history of Santa Claus, Indiana, stock car racing, reading books, and collecting coins.
The family has requested no services and would like to thank the staff of Willowdale Village and Gentiva Hospice for the exceptional care he received.
Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association or to a favorite charity.
