Donn F. Vickers

Donn F. Vickers died with dignity, courage and great peacefulness on August 5, 2026 at the age of 91. Born in Columbus, Ohio on April 29, 1935 he returned after living in Honolulu, Chicago, Rochester and Syracuse, settling in 1978 in Worthington, Ohio. Founding director of the Jefferson Avenue Center, The Thurber House and the Academy for Leadership and Governance; co-founder of the African-American Leadership Academy; and adjunct professor in arts administration at The Ohio State University. Donn earlier worked at Kamehameha Schools (music teacher), Gates Presbyterian Church (senior pastor and voter), and Syracuse University Research Corporation (project director). To all these organizations and communities Donn brought thoughtful vision and guiding wisdom as a leader, writer and teacher. Educated at Eastgate Elementary, Franklin Junior High, East High, OSU (music education and marching band) and Chicago’s McCormick Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity), Donn was also a Fellow of The National Program for Educational Leadership. Recipient of several local and state recognitions, including the Donn Vickers Gazebo in Thurber Park on Jefferson Avenue. A renaissance man, Donn inspired others to identify, cultivate and express their uniqueness and use it to the benefit of others and in service of their community, and also to appreciate literature and art and to write music and poetry. A member of Broad Street Presbyterian Church Donn co-founded the Eastside Arts Initiative to promote area African-American artists.

Donn is survived by his wife of 41 years Sharon Sachs; daughters Michelle Yoke (Tad), Suzanne Vickers, and Cynthia Gillings (Arvada, CO), stepdaughter Deidre Serrano (Alex); grandchildren Jacqueline Mitchell (Jon Freeman), Shelby Ward, Brooke Berry (Ben), Harrison and Holden Gillings, and Skylar Serrano; great grandchildren, Valentine Campanella and Mairyn Berry; nephews Christopher Vickers (Gina) and Andy Vickers (Grace Wu); niece Deborah Vickers (Steven Woitasek); grandnephews Wilson and Carter Vickers. Predeceased by parents Roy E. and Helen L. (Bayse) Vickers; the mother of his daughters, Nancy Middleton; and brother Robert R. Vickers (Judy).

The family is eternally grateful to Donn’s many friends who faithfully visited him throughout his final years and his village of recent caregivers at Concierge Caregiving (especially Kat, Leah, and Miya), Luminary Hospice Columbus (especially Nurse Jennifer), and Dublin Retirement Village Memory Care.

To honor Donn’s life, the family invites you to contribute to area non-profit organizations that he founded or others of your choice, support racial and social justice through Broad Street Presbyterian Church, or purchase art from local artists. Remember to collaborate, express your creativity, inspire others, all with a touch of humor.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 4 pm at Broad Street Presbyterian Church, 760 E. Broad St., Columbus 43205.