Don was married to the love of his life, Ida Margaret Baker Sanders of Orrville, Alabama, for 58 years until her death in 2013. He was a United States military veteran, enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corp at age 17. Don graduated from the University of Alabama attaining a Masters Degree. He had a life-long passion for flying. As a child, he had planes hanging from his ceiling in his room. As a young man, he rebuilt from parts his first airplane named “Rag Doll”. Don was a highly decorated Major in the local Civil Air Patrol. He was a flight instructor, training many civilian and future military pilots. Don was active in the Kiwanis Organization. He was the past president of the West Mobile Kiwanis Club. He was an avid Amateur Radio operator, having built and operated numerous radio systems during the years. He was known by his radio call sign of K4HJS. “HJS” stood for “Hillbilly Jazz Singer”. He was a current member of the Deep South Amateur Radio Club. He was also proud to be a member of the USS Alabama Living History Crew. Don was also a life-long member of the Masons.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Helen Sanders, and wife, Ida Margaret Baker Sanders. Don is survived by daughters, O’Mara (Darrell) Cook and Patricia (Travis) Roberts; grandsons: Jim Graves, John Cook, Adam Cook, and Don Roberts; as well as 10 great-grandchildren.
Visitation for Mr. Sanders will be held Sunday, March 10, 2019 from 3:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. at Radney Funeral Home, 3155 Dauphin St. Mobile, Alabama. Funeral services will take place Monday, March 11, 2019 at 1:00 P.M. from Orrville United Methodist Church, 126 Mill St. N. Orrville, Alabama. Interment will immediately follow services in Orrville Cemetery. Bro. Von McQueen will officiate.
