David William Sanders was born in Hope, KS on February 4, 1926. Most called him Bill after his grandfather the city marshal. Sanders attended public school, but did not get to graduate High School as with many, was called into the military. He was inducted into the service on April 4, 1944 and was assigned to the field artillery at Fort Leavenworth, KS. His basic training was at Camp Roberts, CA. A brother, Harley also served in the Army in the European theater.