Don Sanders

Visitation will be on May 1, 2021 at the Gothic Chapel of Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis, IN from 1:00 – 2:00 PM with a funeral service following. Dr. Steve Ebling from New Hope Presbyterian Church will be officiating. Burial will occur at Crown Hill Cemetery at a future date.

Don was born in Chrisman, IL to Claude and Mae Sanders on October 10, 1932. He grew up and went to school in Chrisman, IL where he played on the high school varsity basketball team. After graduating from high school, he served 4 years in the United States Navy and went on to attend Bradley University graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Don married the love of his life, Donna Farris, on December 21, 1958 in Ridgefarm, IL.

Don started his career at Hyster in Peoria, IL and later relocated his family to Columbus, IN when he joined Cummins Engine Company. Don built several large ground up projects with Cummins including engine plants in Walesboro, IN and Rocky Mount, NC. After Cummins he worked for Gilbane Building Company where he built projects such as the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando and TRW’s Headquarters Campus in Fairfax, VA.

Don was passionate about building. In addition to the family’s attention to faith, education, and sports, Don’s boys grew up building with their dad. This passion continued even after his retirement when Don and son Dave began building custom homes in Indianapolis.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Mae Sanders, and by Donna, his loving wife of 61 years. He is also preceded in death by brother-in-law Phil Farris and his niece, Diana Hanthorne.

Don is survived by his sons David (Kathy) and Drew (Vanessa) Sanders, both of Indianapolis, grandson Grant Sanders and granddaughter Alina Sanders.