Donald Zanders Sr. was born June 2, 1937 in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late Alex Benjamin Zanders Sr. and Dollie Terren. He was the oldest of six children.
Donald was united in matrimony to Alfreda Payne, and to this union two children were born. Donald and Alfreda later divorced. Donald entered the United States Army at an early age and retired after 20 years as a World War Veteran. Later in life Donald's father met and married Leola Porter and to that union six more brothers and sisters were born. During Donald's life he was loved by all who knew him. He is survived by a special friend Carolyn Englemon; daughter Toelke Englemon; son Davonte Pettis; and family; best friends Joe Stapling and Mike; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives.