Sherman Bernard Sanders

Sherman Bernard Sanders was the first born to Nora Bell Shirley on February 22, 1942 in Kansas City Missouri with sister Sharon to follow 2 years later along with step brother James and step sister Elaine. Sherman grew up in his grandparents' house beginning work for his grandfather's sanitation business at age 9 often mentioning his $2 a week salary. He was one of 5 African American youth to be the first integrated into an all-white middle school in Kansas City and excelled. At the age of 17 he joined the Air Force first being stationed at Lackland Airforce base in San Antonio, Texas. Shortly after he married Johnnie Mae having two children Sherman and Leslie Chris Sanders. Sherman went on to be stationed in Rantoul Illinois, Topeka Kansa, Saigon Vietnam, Wichita Kansas, Madrid Spain, Adana Turkey, Aviano Italy, Miami Florida, Frankfurt Germany, Greece, San Bernardino CA, Keflavik Iceland, and finally Atwater CA during his 22 years in the air force. He was fond of his travels and the people he became acquainted with. He believed above all everyone deserves respect no matter what county you are from or nationality or background. "Eat what they eat and respect their culture and you will get that respect back." While serving in Spain he met his second wife, Delia, whom he spent 38 years married to until her passing, having two children Miriam and Jennifer. He retired in 1982 as a Master Sergeant E7. After retiring he worked for McDonald Douglas (now Boeing) for 2 years in Saudi Arabia and the US Postal Service for 15 years retiring with his wife in Perris CA. He enjoyed playing pinnacle with card friends and visiting Soboba and San Manuel Casinos and sharing his wonderful stories of travels abroad. Sherman passed away on Monday, March 26th 2018 surrounded by family who loved him and will be laid to rest with his beloved wife Delia at Riverside National Cemetery. He leaves behind his sister- Sharon Keyes, daughters- Leslie Chris Long (Dan Long), Miriam Snyder (Heath Snyder), Jennifer Ramos (Felix Ramos), Son Sherman Sanders Jr. (passed 2007), grandchildren- Kaylon Sanders, Anthony Ramos, Tyler Snyder, Israel Ramos, Shjon Snyder, and Peyton Snyder, nieces- Tammy Denson and Tamece Spencer along with a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins. His life stories and lessons will inspire those he loved for generations to come. " I had some good times and I had some bad times but mostly good good times." (Sherman Bernard Sanders)