Calvin Coolidge Senior High School
Washington, DC
"Class of 1965"
Donnell M. Anderson
April 16, 1946 to December 29, 2013
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Remembering Donnell
Our classmate, Donnell Anderson, passed on Sunday, December 29th, 2013. Services were held on Saturday, January 4th. Donnell was a loving husband to Jackie Anderson and devoted father to daughter, Karen and son, Bryan. He is also survived by his mother, a sister, five grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and a host of other relatives and friends. Donnell, a veteran of the Vietnam War, was severely wounded in combat in May of 1967. His is a somewhat unusual story, one that the general public seldom hears, for Donnell was given up for dead on the battlefield, wrapped up in a poncho, and carried away. But it was not Donnell's time. Twenty-four hours later a medical examiner who was to verify Donnell's death discovered he was still alive. Donnell never fully recovered from all of his injuries, but never complained living a fruitful and productive life. Nevertheless, he was an unsung hero who returned to a nation strongly divided, never receiving the special thanks that all veterans, especially those who left so much of themselves on the battlefield, truly deserve. Donnell was our classmate and our friend. He answered a call to duty at a historically difficult time in our nation and admirably served his country. Let it be known that his classmates are truly grateful to Donnell for his honorable and heroic service. Donnell is to be buried with honors at Arlington National Cemetery. May he rest in peace.
OBITUARY
Donnell was born on April 16, 1946 in Washington, DC to the late John Anderson
and Anna B. Watts. Donnell departed this world to be with Jesus on Sunday December 29, 2013. He is preceded in death by his step-father "Daddy Richard" Watts and his brother Richard "Ricky."
Donnell gave his life to Christ at an early age and was baptized at 19th Street Baptist Church. He later joined the Plymouth Congregational Church in Washington, DC and worked diligently with children. Donnell was educated in the Washington, DC public school system and graduated from Calvin Coolidge High School. From the time of his High School graduation in 1965 he worked for Safeway, Inc. Donnell was drafted in to the US Army in 1966. He served his country during the Vietnam conflict. Donnell was injured during this conflict in May of l967 and awarded the nations oldest award the Purple Heart; the National Defense Service Medal; the Vietnam Service Medal; the Republic Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device 1960; the Combat Infantryman Badge; and the Sharp Shooter (Rifle M-14, M-16).
Upon Donnell's return to civilian life he was one of the few African Americans employed by Safeway International on 12th Street, N.E., becoming the night manager until developing a life threatening illness resulting from his injuries in Vietnam.
Although, injured and suffering from life threatening illnesses, Donnell was meant to be in this world, as he was destined to help many people throughout his life journey.
Donnel1 loved working within his community, especially the New Can-ollton Boys and Girls Club and The Kingswood Civic Association. His generous spirit and kind words provided guidance in life to both children and adults. His passion was teaching, providing support, and love to children of all ages.
Upon being introduced by a mutual friend, Peggy, Donnell and Jackie A. Johnson fell in love and after a brief courtship they married and recently celebrated over 40+ years of matrimonial bliss.
Donnell and his wife Jackie joined Mount Pleasant Baptist Church and became active members and leaders in the Children's Ministry. Donnell co-directed with his wife Jackie the Nursery Ministry in 1996. He was also a missionary working the clothing ministry. Donnell loved his family and friends. He loved to fish and to host large family gatherings at his home.
Donnell leaves to treasure many loving memories: his wife: Jackie; two loving children Karen and Bryan; five grandchildren: Nicholas, Tiara, Ryean, Briah, and Zachary; one great grandchild: Jyair; his mother: Anna B. Watts; his sister: Gayle Watts, six sister-in laws: Hattie (Ed (deceased)), Gracie (Francis), Billie, Mary (Louis), Roxanne, Rosa; six brother-in-laws: Neshiel (Sally), Frank (Mary), Oynaks (Elaine), Louis (deceased) (Robin)), Clevester (Florence), James, and Joe; two aunts: Jane (Harris) and Elaine; cousins, nieces, nephews, many other relatives, and friends.
