Darrell Bane Sanders II, 57, of Springfield, Missouri passed away at 7:50 a.m. on Sunday, October 26, 2025 in Mercy Hospital after an eight month battle with cancer.

He was born the son of Darrell Bane Sanders and Patricia Faye (Thompson) Sanders in Wuerzburg, Germany during his father's tour of duty in the U.S. Army.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and maternal and paternal grandparents.

Darrell is survived by his wife Sherree (Long) Sanders of Springfield; a sister, Vicki Morin (Jimmy) of Albuquerque, NM; a sister-in-law, Charlene Pitman of Republic, MO; blended family daughter and son, Jennifer Jackson (Michael) of Fayetteville, NC and Jared Brown of Godwin, NC; two nephews, Thomas Nevarez of Clovis, CA and Freddie Nevarez of Albuquerque, NM.

Darrell graduated from Pembroke State University in Pembroke, NC with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education.  He began his career as Band Director in 1992 at Douglas Byrd Middle School in Fayetteville, NC.  In 1996 he became the Band Director at his alma mater, Seventy-First High School also in Fayetteville.  In 1999, after moving to Ballinger, TX, he directed the Ballinger Junior High band and assisted with the High School band.  The lives of many students were positively impacted by his drive and dedication. Upon moving to Springfield, MO in 2002, his career shifted away from music.  He worked briefly with a construction company before being employed in 2003 with Grizzly Industrial.  Darrell was employed with Grizzly for 22 years with the current title of Technical Service Training Specialist.  Darrell's attention to detail, dedication, reliability, willingness to gladly assist co-workers and customers alike earned him a high level of respect.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 with the Reverend Randy Hicks officiating, under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Clear Creek Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research, Tunnel to Towers or Samaritan's Purse.

The service will be live streamed and can be viewed here .