Don Sanford

Don Sanford, of Monroe, Ohio, passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 3, 2020 in the comfort of his home at the age of 73.  He was born Monday, September 2, 1946 in Benton, Mississippi to Cecil and Velma (nee Saxton) Sanford.

After several months of dating, Don asked Joyce Brewer to be his sweetheart for life.  The two were married on Friday, March 13, 1970 in Memphis, Tennessee. Together, they built a lifetime of memories with their two daughters, Dana and Kim.  The family enjoyed visiting the ocean where Don would find some of his happiest moments walking the beach at sunset.  The family continued to grow as Don and Joyce began to welcome their seven grandchildren.

Don was a dedicated employee who moved quickly through the ranks at B.F Goodrich, remaining with the company when it merged with Michelin where he finished his career as Logistics Manager.  Don not only succeeded in his own career but took a special interest in developing other employees, helping them access new opportunities, making introductions between employees and leaders, and mentoring and developing his team. His career would take his family from Memphis, Tennessee to Columbus, Ohio to Cincinnati, Ohio to Greenville, South Carolina and finally back to Cincinnati to be near their daughters and grandchildren.

Don was a passionate fan of college football, and the Tide of Alabama held a special place in his heart. He also loved music, with the Delta Blues being a particular favorite. Don was a car enthusiast who enjoyed going to classic car shows and riding his motorcycle with Joyce and his brother Aubrey. However, what Don valued most was family and home.

Don always had a dream to learn how to fly, he has earned his wings.  Fly high Don, fly high......

Don was preceded in death by his father, Cecil Sanford and brother, Aubrey Sanford.

Don is survived by: his mother, Velma Sanford; wife, Joyce Sanford; daughters, Dana (Charles) Sanford-Vick and Kim (Jason) Grimes; grandchildren, Ashley, Amber, Amanda, Andrea, Rodney, Damaris, and Kaiya; great-grandchildren, Tristen, Amaris, Skylar, Ava, Ian and Isaiah (due to arrive in late May); niece, Lesa Lozano, and many loving family members and friends.

Please join the family in celebrating Don's life, as well as honoring Don and Joyce’s 50 years of marriage on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Mueller Funeral Home, 6791 Tylersville Road, Mason, Ohio 45040.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.

Mueller Funeral Home is serving the family.