Obituary of Donald Sanders

Donald Eugene Sanders, age 76 of Newport, passed away Thursday, February 18, 2016 at Beaumont Hospital, Trenton. He had been ill since October. Don was born September 15, 1939 in Havelock, Iowa to Earl and Ione (Jennings) Sanders. He was the oldest of eight children that were raised on the family farm. In 1958, he enlisted in the Army where he was eventually stationed at the Nike Base in Newport. Shortly before his discharge, he was introduced to the love of his life, Rita Jean Polk. They were married on November 10, 1962 at St. Charles Parish. Don worked locally for Hogart, General Motors and Gonyea Auto Supply before being hired at Chrysler Trenton Engine. He retired in 1993 after thirty years to assist Rita with the care of their handicapped son, Roy injured in a 1988 car accident. Between the time of Roy's accident and his retirement, he would frequently work twelve hour shifts and then drive to Tecumseh to see Roy daily. Don enjoyed playing cards, playing the lottery, spending time with his family, especially his grandkids and being around people. He loved to watch the Detroit Tigers, Red Wings, Lions and occasionally the Pistons. If he could not watch the Tigers on the television, he could frequently be seen with and old transistor radio listening to the game. He was known for his big smile and even bigger hugs; he had an infectious laugh and a flirty sense of humor. He had a generous heart and would volunteer at Blood Drives, the breakfasts at St. Charles and was an Usher at St. Charles also. He belonged to Ash and Berlin Seniors, and a Chrysler retiree group whom he enjoyed meeting with for breakfast. His passing was preceded by parents; a sister: Bonnie, and his son: Roy. He is survived by his wife Rita; daughters: Eva Sanders, Ann (Terry) Allen, Paula (Brian) Sandefur, and Denise Sanders of Dekalb, Illinois, grandchildren and step-grandchildren: Heather (Russ) O'Neal, Heidi (Keith) Greggo, Chris Allen (fiancée Madeline Lefere), Michael Allen, and Maggie Sandefur; step great grandchildren; step great-great grandchildren; siblings: Ronnie (Connie), Kenny (Donna), Sue (Joe) Bastien, Mary (Ed) Polk, Janet (Bob) Jaeger, and Millie Sanders; many nieces; nephews; great nieces; and great nephews. Friends may gather from 2:00-8:00pm on Monday, February 22, 2016 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe (734)384-5185. He will lie-in-state from 10:00am until the Mass of the Resurrection at 11:00am on Tuesday, February 23 at St. Charles, 8125 Swan Creek. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Roy Sanders Memorial Scholarship Fund spendable account through the Community Foundation of Monroe. Condolences at www.merklefs.com.