William Donald Sanders

It is with deep sorrow and heartfelt gratitude in faith that we announce the passing of William Donald Sanders of Fort Worth, who was called to Heaven, surrounded by family, on September 9, 2024, at the age of 83. Don was a great man whose presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Born on January 13, 1941, in Fort Worth, Don was the son of Velma and Bill Sanders. He was raised alongside his two brothers, Bobby and Gene, in the Morningside neighborhood. A graduate of R.L. Paschal High School, his beloved Class of 1959, Don built an impressive athletic resume. He was an All-American in football and an All-State baseball player for the Panthers, earning selection to multiple All-Star games while also lettering in basketball. Don attended Texas A&M on an athletic scholarship and completed his college football career at UT Arlington where he met his first wife Martha Morgan. He began his working life at General Dynamics, later co-founding a mechanical processing company in the poultry industry, before eventually following in his father's footsteps as a grocery salesman.

Don’s love for family led him into another chapter of life that blended his passion for sports and connecting with those who shared his enthusiasm. In 1985, he began taking tickets at TCU football games to assist his father, who was losing his sight. Don and his devoted wife of over 30 years Mary, embarked on a second career, working at most TCU athletic events and making thousands of friends, with whom they’ve enjoyed cheering on the Frogs for the past 40 years. Sports provided a lasting foundation in Don’s life of giving his all and never quiting what you start. These lessons were shared in so many ways in his actions through coaching, refereeing, or re telling of glory stories of days past which we all loved to hear.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Mary Brown Sanders; his daughters, Laurie Thorne and her husband Kevin, and Laynie Sanders; his sons, Brian Sanders and wife Lindsey, all of Fort Worth, and Brandon Brown and wife Jana of Brownwood. Pa Paw is also survived by his grandchildren: Adam Little, Amanda Wilborn, Joseph Dederichs, Kendall Dickey, William and EV Sanders, Durham and Brighton Brown; and his great-grandchildren: Ryan, Kate, and Hallie McClure. Brother Bob and wife Sherri Sanders of Lubbock. For a life well lived there are numerous In-Laws, cousins, and near family friends that Don cherished till his last days.

He was preceded in death by his mother Velma and Father Bill, as well as his youngest Brother Gene Sanders.

The family will receive guests for a Celebration of Life in honor of our patriarch, Don Sanders, on September 27th at River Crest Country Club, 1501 Western Ave, from 4–6 p.m.

We extend our sincerest appreciation, especially to Dr. Burjonroppa and the nursing staff at Harris Heart Center for blessing us with additional time to share our love and thanks for all that he meant to each and every one of us. Additional gratitude would like to be extended to The Hospice House of Burleson, and Elle with Hospice Care for working tirelessly to grant Don his final wish to feel the warmth of the sun and be surrounded by family while enjoying all that is great and good in being outdoors. God bless all those for their thoughts and prayers given.