Sandes was born in Mansfield in 1926 and faced many obstacles due to segregation and hardships.
Sanders’ father passed away in World War I, leaving Sanders to provide and support for his family his mother and six siblings when he was just 12 years old. This dedication for family lived on for years to come.
“He was a very compassionate man who loved his family,” said Cheryl Morris, Sanders daughter. “He sacrificed a lot for my sister and I. He was a sacrificial father.”
In 1942, Sanders was drafted into World War II. Hoping to join the Navy, he was told he was too big and was placed in the Marines. Two years later, Sanders was inducted into the Marine Corps at age 18.