Elton Ray Sanford was born on February 7th, 1955  to Earle and Evelyn Sanford. He was the second oldest of five children. He attended Raytown High School and graduated in 1973.

Elton had a multitude of jobs throughout his career, mostly working as a technician on commercial equipment in the food industry. He retired from Smithfield Foods in 2022. Elton had a huge sense of adventure, making regular trips to Mexico with his long-time partner Leticia Espino. He thoroughly enjoyed attending events with his adult children including Mizzou games, musicals, concerts, and on one occasion a special trip to Boston to go to Fenway Park. In retirement, he relished in his free time to do things he enjoyed. He could often be caught fixing something at one of Leticia's rental properties or babysitting his granddaughter Evelyn. He loved Judge Judy and made sure to tune in nearly every day at 1 pm— on days he wasn't golfing of course.

Elton was an avid golfer, hitting the sticks on a weekly basis around town. He loved being around his family and always made thoughtful gestures for them.

Elton passed away on November 20th, 2024. Elton is preceded in death by his mother Evelyn and brother Everett . Elton is survived by his three children and six grandchildren; Brandi Huffstutter (Eric) and their son Henry, Kevin Sanford (Sarah) and their sons August, Jacob, and Andrew, and Katie Carson (Charlie) and their two children, Russell and Evelyn; father Earle E. Sanford; sisters, Audrey Zoog (Bob) and Cheryl Aston (Bob) and brother LTC E. Glenn Sanford MD (Jennifer).

Elton is greatly loved and will be greatly missed. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, December 15th, 2024 from 2:00 -4:00 pm at the Simpson House in Kansas City Missouri. Elton's children have arranged to have some of his favorite foods and drinks for a send-off that is authentically Elton.