Willie and Helen were Neighbors on Water Canyon Road in Tehachapi.  Two of the most Noble, Down to Earth, Honest people I've been Blessed to know.  We watched out for each other's Homes. Willie a Tremendous Patriot and Humble Warrior.  I failed he and Helen by losing track of them for some time after we each relocated elsewhere. 

    I met Willie Sanders through long-time friend Carolyn Robson, daughter of Marcella Sanders.  I've been apart of Marcella's family for 15yrs and counting, and when Marcella introduced me to Willie for the first time I knew he was a "one of a kind" gentelman. Throughout there marrige Carolyn and I often visited and did any maintinence needed, and Willie always told of his life with vivid recolection, and I was always so amazed how he much life this man had. He told of his boyhood and how times were so different then as to how they are now. He painted such a clear picture in his stories, and they became such an intresting part of our visites together. Willie was a real "All-American" hero spending many years fighting for our country. I feel I owe my freedom to this man, as his life has truly affected the way I view things nowadays. He always told me to live life simple, and always be humble, and most importantly if you want somethimg just know its yours and put your heart and soul into it and it will become yours. This he would explain was how he won Marcella's heart. The story is a true American romance as good or better than any Hariquine romance novel. Willie, I know your in heaven with our God, and I want to thank you for all the wisdom you bestowed upon me , which has effected my life. Your a true, "All American Hero" in my book, and thank you for touching my life in many ways.
Sincerely:
Shawn Williamson

Getting to know Willie Sanders ( MY POP!)
When my mother Marcella and Willie got together it was one of his sweetest love storys that he told every body that he talked to, of how he met the love of his lift. He would tell of how he asked my mother to dance, but she was danceing with someone else, and he told her. "Well I will stand right here till its my turn", and when somebody tryed to step in on his trun to dance, he stood up and told him " Sir, I think this is my dance. He walked her out onto the dance floor, and if you know Willie you herd the story. after the wedding I never seen a man so proud becouse I called him, .
"My Pop" and he was like a father to me 
I will allways remmember the look on his face when he would look at my mother I new he loved her as she loved him. Almost every day I would sit and talk with willie my brothers and sisters did the same, as he welcomed every body to come visit, it was an honor to spend time with him even if he told the same storys. 
Willie enjoyed takeing us to lunch to his favorit place to eat OL WEST resturant on Chester in Oildale. Him and my mother would sit at the same table, 'not to look out the window. He sat so he could see his picture on the wall of him while he was in the service,
To this day his picture is still on the wall. The few years willie and my mother was together he never had a lonley moment. He was showered with love of a family. unconditionaly. Thank You Pop for who you where, your service to our country, and your love for my mother. Willie you Blessed our lifes, with your love. You are forever my POP. ( Keep The Cabin warm till I see you again) your loveing Daugther Carolyn. GOD BLESS

Grandpa Willie was a strong and wise man. He and my Grandma Helen took my mother Kathy in and raised her when she was 3 years old. Because of this he has and will always be grandpa to me instead if uncle. I have many memories of camping and fishing, and many life stories that Grandpa Willie has told me and my 3 sons. After my grandma passed away 2 years ago Grandpa Willie met Marcella, which we all welcome into the family so he wouldnt be lonely. thank you grandpa for always being there. love you lots! RIP

Uncle Willie, you were a great guy. I talked to you a few days before you passed. I will never forget that. I will never forget your stories. You had a bunch! I miss you. And I miss Aunt Helen. RIP. I love you.

Grandpa Willie was a strong and wise man. He and my grandma Helen raised my mom as their own since she was 3 years old, and have always been known to my sister Karla and I as grandpa and grandma our entire lives. I remember their visits every year when I was growing up in Oklahoma, as well as the memories we made aftter my parents moved us to California. Our road trips to the mountains.. Camping on the beach.. Fishing.. And walking the trails at their previous home in Tehachapi. Grandpa Willie loved my sons and nephew as much as they loved my sister and I. He has always been a great influence on us teaching us to be more confident while speaking to others, and we will never forget all of the ear stories he loved to tell us. When grandma Helen passed away 2 years ago Grandpa Willie met a woman named Marcella, which was nice so that he wasnt lonely after loosing his beloved wife of so many years. Grandpa Willie will be greatly missed by many that loved him.

I remember Willie when he was A memember of the Moose Lodge, he was a great person to be around and talk to. May he RIP, God Bless the family.

Grandpa Willie, I love you and miss you. I told you many times that you will always be "grandpa" to me. May you R.I.P. and give Grandma Helen a huge hug for me in heaven.

OBITUARY

Willie Ervin Sanders

February 19, 1919 – April 16, 2012

Funeraria Del Angel Hillcrest

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