Donald Rather Obituary

Donald A. Rather

Mar 25, 1944 - Jun 24, 2025

Phoenix, AZ

Donald A. Rather passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona. Born in Van Buren, Arkansas, to Ajaish (Butch) and Mary Alice (Hollowell) March 25, 1944, he moved with his parents to Sandusky, Ohio in 1947.

Donald was a distinguished athlete at Sandusky High School, participating in basketball, baseball, track, and football, with basketball being his strongest sport. He graduated from Sandusky High School in 1963, attended Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, and later transferred to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff in 1965.

Donald returned to Ohio, where he worked as a substitute teacher within Toledo City School System throughout the 1970s. In 1999, he relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, residing there until his passing.

He is survived by his daughter, Kim Rather-Collins, of Memphis, Tennessee; two granddaughters, Brittany (Carr) Davis of Memphis and Scottie-Marie Collins of Seattle, Washington; four grandchildren, Miyah, Malik, Carrson, and Carrter, all of Memphis; one niece, Michelle Rather of Indiana; Brian Rather of Cleveland; David Rather of Atlanta, Georgia; as well as five great-nephews and several cousins.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Marian, Betty, Patty, and Deborah (Will) Grubbs; brother, David (Bo) Rather; and sister-in-law, Anne Rather.

Memorial service will be announced at a future date.

The family kindly requests that donations be made to American Lung Cancer Association in lieu of flowers or cards.