Joseph Benjamin “J.B.” Saunders, born on July 25, 1901, in Hillsboro, Texas, was a prominent oilman, philanthropist, and civic leader whose legacy is deeply intertwined with Oklahoma’s history. Moving to Sand Springs, Oklahoma, in 1905, he grew up witnessing the state’s formative years. Saunders attended school locally before exploring various careers, including shipping clerk, roughneck, and court reporter. His pursuit of education took him to the University of Missouri and Chillicothe Business College in Missouri.
In 1937, after years of working with Imperial Refineries in Ardmore, Saunders founded his own venture, Triangle Refineries, and served as president of several affiliated companies. His expertise and business acumen eventually led him to the board of directors of Kerr-McGee Corp., where he served as senior vice president.
Beyond his professional achievements, Saunders was a dedicated patron of culture and community. In 1974, he was honored with induction into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. His commitment to civic life extended to numerous organizations, including the Cowboy Hall of Fame, Oklahoma City University, the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, and the United Fund. A passionate advocate for the arts, Saunders played a key role in establishing the Oklahoma Symphony Orchestra in the 1970s.
Active in industry associations such as the American Petroleum Institute and the Independent Petroleum Association, he was also a Mason. J.B. Saunders passed away in Houston at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and service.
