Darrell Anthony Sanders

Mr. Darrell Anthony Sanders, 55, of Groveport, OH, departed this life and entered his heavenly rest on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at Mount Carmel East.

Mr. Sanders, affectionately known as 'Tony" to family and "Bone" to friends, was born March 9, 1970, in Youngstown, OH, the youngest of two children born to Jesse and Karleen (Clark) Sanders. A proud graduate of East High School class of 1988 in Youngstown OH, he was also crowned as the Prom King. He played as a star on East High baseball team, earning him a spot on the 1988 All-City Series Baseball team. In 2009, Darrell was inducted into the East High Golden Bear Hall of Fame for his exceptional baseball talent.

After graduating in 1988, Darrell enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Radioman. He served honorably during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. On July 20, 1990, he married his high school sweetheart, Frances Buggs of Youngstown, OH. He served four years of service before being honorably discharged in 1992.

After working for several years as a Corrections Officer, in 2003, Darrell enlisted in the Ohio Army National Guard, where he faithfully served for four years. Beginning in 2004, he continued his commitment as a Military Pay Technician, a role he held with dedication until his passing.

Darrell bowled from his youth through 2019, during his time, earning his ring for a perfect 300 game, it was clear to all that his gift for the game could not be denied.

Out of his deep love for the game of baseball, Darrell took on the role of youth baseball coach, where his team, Don't Be Framed, celebrated back-to-back championships in Youngstown, OH.

Darrell loved spending time with family always entertaining at his house and lighting up the grill no matter what time of year it was. He loved his daughters, Kimarra, Mikarra and Deneja but once the grandkids came everything changed as they became the new loves of his life. He loved to travel as he often did with his wife, going on at least two trips a year outside of any other trips and searching for good food as he loved to eat. Darrell's loyalty to the Cleveland Browns never wavered. Though wins were few, he faithfully believed the next season would finally deliver.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jesse Sanders; and nephew, Deon Sanders.

Darrell leaves to mourn his passing, but rejoice in his peace, his wife of 35 years, Frances Buggs-Sanders; his children, Kimarra (Jamie) Minor of Canal Winchester, OH, Mikarra (Donavon) Reed of Whitehall, OH, and Deneja Phillips of Youngstown, OH; eight grandchildren, Reginald Ware III, Kylaysia Griffin, Darnell Griffin Jr., Nimari Burney, Jamie Minor Jr., Donavon Reed Jr., Niajah Burney, and Jaxen Minor; his mother, Karleen Sanders of Youngstown, OH; one brother, Derek Sanders of St. Louis, MO; and a host of family and friends.