Dr. Douglas W. Sanders

Dr. Douglas W. Sanders died peacefully in his sleep on September 24, 2023. He was 96.
Born in Bowling Green, Kentucky in 1926, to Dr. R. Douglas and Flora Galloway Sanders, Douglas graduated from Sewanee Military Academy in Sewanee, Tennessee in 1944. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree with honors from Franklin and Marshall College in just two years and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School in 1951.
Douglas served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955 in Korea, Okinawa, and Japan as a physician in station hospitals and later as “battalion surgeon”.
He and his wife, Jane, brought their young family to Akron in 1955 because Douglas was accepted into the prestigious residency program then in existence at Akron City Hospital.
Dr. Sanders practiced medicine for many years at his office in Highland Square. He was affiliated with nearly all the area’s hospitals and was on the teaching staff at City Hospital and St. Thomas until 1977. Douglas was still working two half days a week at age 91 at CSL Plasma because he liked being around young people.
His belief in the benefits of physical exercise combined with his love of nature led to a half century of participating in the Akron Metro Parks Fall Hiking Spree right from its inception in 1964. Douglas was also one of the founding members of the Akron YMCA Roadrunner Club, later renamed the Summit Athletic Club. Dr. Sanders also enjoyed theatre, opera, and history among his many intellectual pursuits.
Douglas was predeceased by his daughter, Carol, in 1970. He is survived by his beloved wife of 74 years, Jane Thompson Sanders, and his children, Stephen E. Sanders, Richard D. Sanders (Kathy), and Judith S. Seward (Mark). Also, by grandchildren Natalie and Owen Sanders, his sister, Eleanor Austin (Ted), first cousin, Alice Ann Craig, four nieces and many great nieces and nephews.
The family thanks the staff at Rockynol where Doug and Jane have resided for the past seven years. Special thanks also to Chelsea from First Light Home Care, to his caregivers of many years Stacey and Lauren, and to Ohio Living Hospice for their loving care and compassion.

A memorial service will be held in the Chapel at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 11:00am. A reception will immediately follow. Interment with military honors will take place at Rose Hill Burial Park at 2:00pm.

Douglas was a very generous and compassionate man who supported many charities including veterans causes, the International Institute, Haven of Rest, Salvation Army, Ohio Light Opera, Weathervane Theatre and many more. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1361 W. Market Street, Akron, Ohio 44313, or to a charity of your choice.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N Miller Road  Akron, OH  44333.

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