Donald Curtiss “Don” Sanders, 94, went home to be with Jesus on Saturday, April 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving family in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. After a life well lived, Don was reunited with his beloved wife, Dolla, who preceded him in death in 2012. Their reunion brings comfort to those who loved them both and knew how much they meant to one another.
Don was born on November 3, 1931, in Glenn, West Virginia, to Charles Roscoe Sanders and Clara Easter Jones Sanders. One of three children, he grew up alongside his brother, Carl, and sister, Josephine. The values of family, faith, hard work, and service that shaped his early years remained important to him throughout his life.
Don proudly answered the call to serve his country in the United States Navy. During his first two years of service, he was stationed in the Panamanian jungle. He later served aboard the USS Lindenwald during the Korean War, attaining the rank of Radioman Second Class, a Petty Officer specializing in communications. His years in the Navy were a source of great pride and reflected the sense of duty and dedication that characterized so much of his life.
Following his military service, Don began a long and accomplished career as an electronics engineer in the defense industry. He worked for ITT, Emerson Electric, and McDonnell Douglas, and had the remarkable opportunity to contribute to the Gemini Space Program. Being part of America’s early space exploration efforts was an achievement of which he and his family could always be proud.
But Don’s life was about much more than his accomplishments.
He was a man who valued family, service, faith, and the simple pleasures of life. He devoted many years to leadership with the Boy Scouts of America, sharing his time, knowledge, and guidance with younger generations. He also enjoyed spending time on the golf course and the friendships and fellowship that came with it.
Don made his home in Conway, South Carolina, and his Christian faith remained an important and steady presence throughout his life. It was a faith that helped guide him through both joyful times and difficult ones and gave him the assurance that this life was not the end of his journey.
At the heart of Don’s life was his family. He and his beloved wife, Dolla Mae Sanders, built a life together and raised their two sons, Craig and Brian. Don treasured his role as a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His family was a source of tremendous pride, and the memories they created together will remain a lasting part of his legacy.
Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dolla Mae Sanders; his brother, Carl Sanders; and his sister, Josephine Childers.
He is survived by his sons, Craig Sanders of Maggie Valley, North Carolina, and Brian Sanders of Florissant, Missouri; six grandchildren, including Danielle Sanders of Wilmington, North Carolina; and ten great-grandchildren. Each carries forward a part of the family and the legacy Don and Dolla created together.
Those who knew Don will remember him not only for what he accomplished, but for the man he was—the quiet strength he carried, his dedication to his family, his service to his country and community, and the kindness he showed throughout his life.
Ninety-four years gave Don the opportunity to witness an extraordinary amount of change in the world, and in his own way, he was part of that history—from serving his country during the Korean War to contributing to America’s journey into space. Yet his greatest legacy cannot be measured by a military rank, a career accomplishment, or the number of years he lived. It is found in the family he loved, the people he influenced, and the memories that will continue to be shared for generations.
Don will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
SERVICE INFORMATION
A graveside service celebrating Don’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Sunset Cemetery, 741 Brown Hollow Road, Bickmore, West Virginia 25019.
In a fitting and meaningful tribute to the life they shared, Don and his beloved wife, Dolla, who preceded him in death in 2012, will be interred together during the service.
Pastor Johnny Osborne of Middle Creek Baptist Church will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in honor of Don and Dolla Sanders to Lizemore Methodist Church, 13938 Clay Highway, Lizemore, West Virginia 25125. For information regarding donations, the district office overseeing the church may be reached at .
Together in life, together again in eternal rest.
