CLINTON - Donald Phillip Sanders was born on April 24, 1930 in Canaan, ME, the first of four children born to Francis Kelley and Harry Sanders.

Donald helped his father on the farm through his teenage years and then worked for McCormick Farmall Tractors as a young man, sanding floors in the evenings. In 1952, Donald and Bunny were married. They resided in Canaan in the first house he built until 1958 when they moved to Clinton. Their home in Clinton, also built by Donald, became their permanent home.

Building homes became Don’s livelihood. His company, Sanders General Construction, later became Don Sanders Homes. Throughout central Maine and beyond, homes were constructed by him and his crew. In his retirement he continued working remodeling and building cupboards, shelves, and bookcases for his family and friends, always a pencil behind his ear.

Donald lived a devoted Christian life. Often found with his Bible in his lap, a hymn book in his hand, he would enter a room quoting verses from both. He was a meek and quiet man who was strong in his gentleness and tenderhearted to the core.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Bunny, and his son, Steven Lloyd Sanders formerly of Windham, NH. He is survived by his daughters, Pamela (Frank) Betts of Clinton, Kelly (Brad) Graves of Union; daughter-in-law Bonnie Sanders of Windham, NH; seven grandchildren, Michael Betts, Tavia (Lloyd) Pibus, Trent Sanders, David Sanders, Briana Graves, Ashley (Trevor) Smith, George (Thy) Graves and five great-grandchildren.

A funeral service was be held at 6:00 pm, Monday, October 29, 2018 at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Donald’s memory to Sussman Hospice House, c/o Pen Bay Healthcare, 22 White Street, Rockland, Maine 04841.