Jerry Wayne Sandel

Jerry Wayne Sandel, revered by those who knew him as tough and persistent, yet kind and fair; succumbed to his long-time bout with COPD on October 25, 2024, in a manner of his choosing surrounded by his beloved wife Clair and other members of his family at his home in Farmington, New Mexico.

Jerry was born in Woodson, Texas in 1942; moved to Farmington, New Mexico in 1957, graduated from Farmington High School in 1960, and attended Texas Tech University from 1960 to 1964. After attending college, he returned to Farmington to work with his parents, Wayne and Sally Sandel, to help build a fledgling oilfield service contracting company, which remains successful in business to this day.

A mainstay in San Juan County, Jerry quickly became known as the conservative voice representing the community in Santa Fe, from 1971 until 2000, as a New Mexico State Representative for House District #1. In his illustrious career as a state representative, Jerry demonstrated his commitment to doing the right thing when he famously joined with the Cowboy Coalition. His House colleagues showed their respect for Jerry’s commitment when he mended fences with those he broke ranks with to become Chairman of the Taxation and Revenue Committee; Chairman of the Revenue Stabilization and Tax Policy Interim Committee; and as Chairman of the Legislative Finance Committee. In 2003, Jerry was appointed by Governor Richardson as Chairman of the New Mexico Blue Ribbon Tax Reform Commission.

Sandel was hailed by Speaker Raymond Sanchez as “Steady at the Helm” after 25 years of service and as “Chief Who Not Knows His Power” by his colleagues for the manner in which he conducted often very difficult and contentious committee hearings. Later in his years, Jerry would reminisce with pride that he never lost a floor vote for any piece of legislation that he carried.

Throughout his years, Jerry amassed many awards and accolades including Farmington Chamber of Commerce History Makers Hall of Fame, Farmington High School Hall of Fame and San Juan College Hall of Fame. In 1998, the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association presented Jerry the Jason W. Kellahin award for his outstanding contribution to the Oil and Gas Industry. Jerry also received the Association of Commerce and Industry’s “VIVA” award in 1998 recognizing him as an outstanding New Mexico businessman. A tremendous honor bestowed upon Jerry on his 75th birthday was when the Boys and Girls Club of Farmington dedicated its gym to the community leader. 

While Jerry believed strongly in serving his community through public service, his true passion was the family businesses Aztec Well Servicing, Triple S Trucking, Totah Rental, and Roadrunner Fuels. Jerry’s dedication to these companies and their employees cannot be overstated. In fact, as Jerry was transitioning, he wanted to ensure that each of his employees knew that he was thinking of them, that he cared for them and their families, and it was their livelihood and success that was the foundation of his drive to thrive. There was and is little else of greater significance to Jerry than the Aztec Well Family of Companies, their customers, and the people who dedicate themselves to making them function. We thank you on his behalf!

Jerry was proceeded in death by his parents Wayne and Sally, his first wife Nancy and his niece Stephanie Volkerding. Jerry is survived by his wife of twenty-one years Clair Sandel; his sister Sherry Pigford and husband Donnie; his children Jason Sandel and wife Stacy, and Dr. Shelly Sandel and husband Dr. Bill Henry, Jeff Sandel, and step-son Ransom Cole; his nephew John Volkerding and husband Chuck; his grandchildren Stella Sandel, Spencer Henry, Zooey Sandel (and his mother Ashley Alden), and Jasper Sandel; and his grand-nieces Shylynn Pigford and Jenna Volkerding, and grand-nephew Lukas Volkerding.

Keeping with Jerry’s strong belief in and commitment to the energy industry in the United States; it is Jerry’s wish that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his name to the San Juan College School of Energy Scholarship Fund or to the Boys and Girls Club of Farmington BBQ Fund such that opportunities can be provided for the underprivileged youth of the community.

Remembrance services will be at Farmington’s First Presbyterian Church located at 865 N Dustin Ave on Saturday, November 2nd at 1:00 PM.