By Cara Cowan Watts | Cherokee 411
March 24, 1964 – May 28, 2026
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Cherokee Nation Citizen
David Bryan Sanders, 62, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at his residence on May 28, 2026.
David was born on March 24, 1964, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, to Soggy Leroy Sanders and Phyllis Sanders. A lifelong resident of the area, David graduated from Tahlequah High School and later attended diesel mechanic school, preparing for a career that would become both his passion and his legacy.
Following high school, David purchased his first big-rig semi and spent many years traveling the country as a long-haul truck driver. In 2000, he converted his beloved cabover truck into a dump truck and continued operating that same truck for forty years. Throughout his remarkable career, David logged over three million miles on the road, building a reputation for hard work, determination, and reliability.
In 2005, David met the love of his life, Gina Sanders. The two were married on June 12, 2010, and shared a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure.
David treasured spending time with family and friends. His warm personality, generous spirit, and gift for friendship left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Gina Sanders; his son, Bryan Sanders and wife, Corina; his stepson, Dalton Wright; his stepdaughter, Brook Holleman and grand-daughter, Hazelynn; his mother, Phyllis Sanders; his sister, Paula Young-Hedrick and husband, Troy; his brother, Jeff Sanders and wife, Anna Marie; brother-in-law Leon Wright and Brandy, brother-in-law John Wright, brother-in-law Bobby Wright, brother-in-law Joe Wright and Crystal, sister-in-law Amanda Nevitt, and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
David was preceded in death by his father, Soggy Leroy Sanders; his dear friend, James Quincy Wood Jr.; and his beloved fur babies, Sassy and Sambo.
David’s life was a testament to hard work, loyalty, and love for family. He spent much of his life behind the wheel, but his greatest journey was the one he shared with those he loved.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard.”
-Regina Sanders
