Donald Everett Sands

Donald Everett “Don” Sands passed away on Thursday, November 7, 2024 after an extended illness. He had recently turned 80 years old.  Don was born on October 15, 1944 in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, to Roy and Jennie Sands.  He was raised on the family farm in Centerburg, Ohio, and graduated from Centerburg High School in 1962.  After high school, Don became a licensed beautician and worked in his mother’s beauty salon as well as other salons. He later joined the United States Navy and served in the Vietnam War on the Enterprise in the mid 1960’s.  He was honorably discharged in 1968.

Don married Harriet Heston Sands on October 24, 1969 and they moved to Lima, Ohio, for a brief time, then settled in Mansfield, Ohio in 1970.  They raised their family and lived in Mansfield the rest of their lives.  He worked for the Carpenter’s Union 735 and later established his own lawn care business.  He enjoyed helping many people throughout the years and was a friend to all.

Don did not know a stranger.  He was a great storyteller with a terrific sense of humor.  He would share stories from his days playing with friends on the farm, as well as his high school years participating in football and band.  Don loved motorcycles and he even raced back in the 70’s-80’s.  He owned many bikes over the years, mostly Yamahas and eventually a BMW.  He also followed NASCAR racing and passed that love down to his grandson.  They both enjoyed cheering on Kyle Larson. Don was a frequent customer of Porky’s Restaurant on Ashland Road in Mansfield, The ladies at Porky’s were so kind and he enjoyed catching up on the “daily gossip” with them. Don was an avid reader. He enjoyed reading books about history, political figures, current events, and racing. He also got great joy out of watching his grandchildren participate in their activities; Evan in band and Jayne in soccer.

Don is survived by his wife of 55 years, Harriet (Heston) Sands,  his daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Trent Richardson, and his grandchildren, Jayne Audrey and Evan Roth Richardson of Delaware, Ohio.  He is also survived by his sister, Cheryl Sands, and his niece, Melinda Acevedo, who both live in Florida, and his brother-in-law, Thomas Heston, his sister-in-law, Marlene, and his nieces, Lisa Schauseil and Rondi DuPont. 

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Jennie Sands, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Thomas and Ruth Heston, his son, William Thomas Sands, and his brother, Richard Sands, along with countless close friends and relatives.  

A private service will be conducted at a later date. There will be no calling hours. His final resting place will be at Eastview Cemetery in Centerburg, Ohio.

Memorial contributions may be made to The First Congregational Church to benefit the chancel choir.

         Online condolences may be made at www.wernergompf.com

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