The Madison community lost one of its major supporters Tuesday when independent oil producer George Sauder, 88, died at Newman Regional Health.
Sauder was a civic-minded citizen who wanted to share his success with others in the community, according to those who knew him.
Sauder was responsible for the majority of the repair or replacement of sidewalks in Madison. He made arrangements with the city and property owners that they would pay a small share of the cost and he would pick up the balance.
Madison businessman Tom Wilson said he had been exceptionally pleased by Sauder’s arrangements for the repairs. He and his wife sent Sauder a box of Omaha Steaks as a token of appreciation for the sidewalk contribution.
“I even got a thank-you note for the steaks,” Wilson said. “I was the one who needed to thank him.”
“He also paid for the Sauder Community Building and a portion of the library,” said Deanna Smith, Sauder’s accountant.
Smith said that Sauder and his wife, June, were responsible for forming the Verdigris Valley Community Foundation. Then the Sauders contributed funds to the Foundation and generated enough support and contributions from the community to build and maintain what became the community building.
“Part of that was the new library,” Smith said, adding that the library was built through a separate fundraiser for the city.
“He and his wife, June, were definitely instrumental in getting the foundation off the ground and getting the funds for both the center and the library,” she said.
The Sauders also were enthusiastic supporters of the elementary and high schools.
“Throughout the years they did a lot of work in getting contributions from themselves and others to help out in different improvements,” Smith said. Among the improvements were new windows, air conditioning, sound systems and scholarships through the Madison Educational Assistance Fund.
“They have scholarships in their name and their family name that they have contributed to,” Smith said.
The couple also made sure that some improvements were made at the park and the ball diamond.
Sauder was an “outstanding gentleman” whose wife, who died last year, had been one of his best friends.
“They were wonderful,” Smith said. “There’s no replacing them for this community. They were very well-thought-of.”
Smith said she believed that Sauder’s lifelong goal had been to finance different projects “that were doing good in the world, in Madison or wherever.
“I think he really deserves all the recognition for things he did that most people aren’t aware of,” Smith said. “I think he was one that did it without any fanfare.”