Don Sax

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Donald Robert “Don” Sax, 62, of Millstadt, IL, born March 25, 1960, in Belleville, IL, died Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO.

Don was a faithful servant to his family and his community for many years, including his service as a Shriner, Leader with the Boy Scouts, the Catholic Diocese of Belleville, Major Case Squad, Retired Police Officer (of 34 years), HOA President of their neighborhood, oldest child of six siblings, among others he never bragged about.

Don enjoyed his grandchildren and children above all, but he also enjoyed hunting as often as he could get away. While at home, he was hardly idle, as Kay kept him busy, and he was always willing to lend a hand or a tool to someone in need. Don was well loved by all who knew him, and he will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert G. Sax; and his in-laws, Jack and Betty Eise.

Surviving are his wife of 38 years, Mary “Kay”, nee Eise, Sax, whom he married on December 10, 1983, at St. Mary Catholic Church, in Belleville, IL; a daughter, Megan (Jay) Peters; a son, Ryan (Megan) Sax; four grandchildren, Henry and Ella Peters, and Callie and Jana Sax; his mother, Kay Sax; two brothers, Gerald “Jerry” Sax and  Ronald Sax; three sisters, Barbara (John) Duncan, Jean (Gordon) Meyer, and Mary Jo (Jim) Moehle; and many nieces and nephews.

Don, being the no-frills guy he was, would much rather have seen money be sent to The BackStoppers or to Shriner’s Hospital for Children than flowers “that will die tomorrow anyway.” Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation: Friends may visit the family from 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 27, 2022, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.  A Belleville Police Department walk-through will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Funeral: Funeral procession will leave at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 27, 2022, from George Renner & Sons Funeral Home for an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. Jack McEvilly and Fr. Michael Arockiam concelebrating.

Condolences:

36 Comments on Don Sax

Marguerite Dauphin said : Guest Report Aug 12, 2022 at 10:22 AM

Please accept the sincere sympathy of the Dauphin and Kern Families. Our prayers are with Don and his family.

  • Troy
  • IL
Chris Orlet said : Guest Report Aug 01, 2022 at 12:36 PM

To Ron and the Sax family, our deepest condolences. Don was a true friend indeed.

  • St Louis
  • MO
Theresa Mitchell said : Guest Report Jul 31, 2022 at 12:13 AM

Just learned of Don's passing on a St. Mary's post. Sending sincere condolences to the Sax Family from the Mitchell Family. Growing up, we lived across the street; Don drove the carpool to Althoff - he was always a considerate upperclassman to this awkward freshman. May he rest in peace and may fond memories comfort his family.

  • St. Louis
  • MO
elaine (mank) lickenbrock said : Guest Report Jul 30, 2022 at 9:31 PM

to the entire sax family…i am so sorry for your loss. my heart and prayers go out to all of you.

  • millstadt
  • illinois
Tierra Fennoy said : Guest Report Jul 29, 2022 at 2:52 PM

So grateful to have encountered Mr. Don Sax. It was a great pleasure to work with him and Kay during one of the world’s most trying times - COVID. His passion for community shined, and I’m appreciative of the time. A great man and leader. Prayers of comfort to the entire family. - Tierra Fennoy & Family

  • Fairview Heights
  • IL
Tim Hasenstab said : Guest Report Jul 28, 2022 at 10:46 AM

To the Sax Family, So very sorry to hear the news of Don's passing. He was a great guy from the old neighborhood. Please accept my condolences and apologies for not making the wake, I just saw this last night.

  • Columbia
  • IL
Terry Delaney said : Guest Report Jul 28, 2022 at 7:15 AM

Don & I worked together @ Belleville PD. He was very knowledgeable & dedicated to law enforcement. My condolences to the Sax family. May he rest in peace.

  • Belleville
  • Il
Mike Cunningham said : Guest Report Jul 27, 2022 at 10:20 PM

My condolences to the sax family. Don was a great down to earth man. He was a good friend from high school on.

  • N ft myers
  • fl
Margaret Lowery said : Guest Report Jul 27, 2022 at 5:14 PM

I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of Donald Sax. I enjoyed working with him while he served on the BPD and then in his “retirement” at the courthouse. Always a class act, my sincerest condolences to the family.

  • Sioux Falls
  • SD
Chris Rothweiler said : Guest Report Jul 27, 2022 at 10:13 AM

My sympathy to the family and friends of Don. As a Belleville Jaycee, we worked with Don on security issues for Deutschfest many times. He was s the consummate professional and more importantly, a great guy! He will be remembered well & missed by many. As Ward 6 Alderman, I want to thank him for his service to Belleville. His contribution will not be forgotten. Rest In Peace Don.

  • Belleville
  • IL
Susan (Wolf) Morford said : Guest Report Jul 26, 2022 at 9:40 PM

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Sax family during this very difficult time. I was heartbroken to hear of Don’s passing. May he Rest In Peace.

  • Maryville
  • Il
DAN VOEGELE said : Guest Report Jul 26, 2022 at 11:51 AM

My sympathy for the Sax family. I worked for Don at PBC Public Safety. He was a great leader, and a greater friend. He will be missed by many.

  • BELLEVILLE
  • Illinois
William G. Clay III said : Guest Report Jul 26, 2022 at 9:26 AM

I met Donnie in 1995 when I started with the Belleville Police Dept. He was very gracious, kind and full of knowledge with a willingness to share. We were soon working together on the same shift and this continued through our careers culminating in our leadership of the department. He was my friend and a gentle soul. I pray that Jessus will give May Kay and family the grace they need to go forward in peace.

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Gloria Clark said : Guest Report Jul 26, 2022 at 8:53 AM

So sorry to hear of death of Don Sax. He was a great guy. We worked together at the Sheriff's Department years ago. I remember when he and Kay were courting. My condolences to the family.

  • Fairview Heights
  • IL.
Larry R. Majeski said : Guest Report Jul 25, 2022 at 8:53 PM

Loss of a GREAT Guy.

  • O'Fallon
  • IllinoisLossofnanGREAT nPerson
Don Porter said : Guest Report Jul 25, 2022 at 6:34 PM

Being his neighbor for over 20 years you could not have asked for better. My sincere condolences go out to the Sax family. He will truly be missed.

  • Bristol
  • IL
Janet Tinoco said : Guest Report Jul 25, 2022 at 4:27 PM

I was so sorry to hear of Donnie's passing. I grew up next to him on 22nd Street in Belleville and we attended St. Mary's together. He was my first 'best friend' as a child and first crush. A good guy.

  • New Smyrna Beach
  • FL
Vickie Dickerson said : Guest Report Jul 25, 2022 at 3:54 PM

I knew Don from the Courthouse. I could not be more sorry to see Don is no longer with us. This world needs more like him, not fewer. My deepest condolences to his family.

  • Collinsville
  • IL
Mary K. (Voegtle) Carroll said : Guest Report Jul 25, 2022 at 2:50 PM

I remember Don from St. Mary's and as Jerry's brother. I thought it was great that he rose through the leadership ranks of the Belleville Police Department. And it sounds like he also gave freely of his time to help others. You must all be very proud of his accomplishments. Please accept my sincere sympahty on your loss..

  • Fairview Heights
  • IL
Cheryl Hayes Bramlett said : Guest Report Jul 25, 2022 at 11:51 AM

Mary Kay my heart breaks for you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I could make your pain go away, but I want you to know I’m here for you with a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen, or anything else you may need.

  • OFallon
  • IL
Steve Bertelsman said : Guest Report Jul 25, 2022 at 10:16 AM

I remember Don with much fondness in my years in the various bands at Althoff under the direction of Fr. Jack McEvilly. A true gentleman and a natural born leader!.. Rest In Peace my friend...

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Barbara (Maine) Szymanski said : Guest Report Jul 25, 2022 at 9:54 AM

So many fond memories of Don and the Sax family from high school. My sincerest condolences to all of Don's family and friends. May his soul and all the souls of the faithfully departed rest in peace.

  • Ashkum
  • Illlinois
Lynn Schwoebel said : Guest Report Jul 25, 2022 at 8:37 AM

Dear Family, My heart is broken for you over the loss of Don. I first met him when he was a juvenile detective and would come to Belleville West, where I worked in the assistant principal’s office. He quickly became one of my favorite police officers. His smile was contagious and he always said something that would make me laugh. Don was a true gentleman, always treating everyone around him with respect. Whenever we would see each other outside of work, he always stopped to talk. I will truly miss seeing him around town. Our loss is heaven‘s gain. And heaven is even happier now that he is there! I am praying that you will all feel God’s loving arms wrapped around you, holding you close and filling you with His peace in the days and weeks ahead.

  • Belleville
  • IL
Paul Czerniejewski and Family said : Guest Report Jul 25, 2022 at 8:26 AM

My condolences to the entire Sax family who we have known since the early days at St Mary’s Parish. We pray that Don rests in peace and that God gives the family strength in this difficult time.

  • Swansea
  • Illinois
Kathy (Kiehl) Clanfield said : Guest Report Jul 24, 2022 at 8:14 PM

Don was a wonderful person and will be missed by all who were blessed to have known him. My deepest sympathy to the entire Sax family.

  • Lake Geneva
  • Wisconsin
Mark Schilli said : Guest Report Jul 24, 2022 at 6:18 PM

My condolences to the Sax Family in this difficult time. I knew Don from working at the St. Clair County Sheriff's Department when Don was at Belleville PD. We also worked together at Boone Investigations for several years. Rest in Peace Don. Prayers for the Sax Family.

  • Tallahassee
  • Florida
Jerry Egel said : Guest Report Jul 24, 2022 at 4:24 PM

My sincere condolences to the Sax family. I remember Don as the even headed adult among us Althoff high school band players. His legacy as a true servant of the community will be remembered.

  • Valparaiso
  • IN
Dolores Boyle (Anderson) said : Guest Report Jul 24, 2022 at 3:50 PM

Condolences to the Sax Family! My heart hurts for you! Don was a Blessed Man. May God be with you! Dolo

  • Belleville
  • Il
Kathleen Draper said : Guest Report Jul 24, 2022 at 12:26 PM

Deepest sympathy prayers are with all the family. God Bless

  • Belleville
  • IL
Ron Borkowski said : Guest Report Jul 24, 2022 at 12:19 PM

I worked with Don the Bank of Belleville and I enjoyed every minute. I considered Don a good friend. Sgt. Ron Borkowski Collinsville P. D. Ret.

  • Highland
  • Illinois
Marvin and Eva Winkeler said : Guest Report Jul 24, 2022 at 9:48 AM

Peace and blessings to all the Sax family on the passing of a great man. A truly good soul.

  • Swansea
  • Illinois
Bill Reichert said : Guest Report Jul 24, 2022 at 9:12 AM

Kay and family, know that a guy who spent his life on the rougher side of life, hunting and enforcing the law, was a consummate gentleman admired and respected by all that he came in contact with. I had too short a time with him as I know did. Celebrate his impact on so many

  • Fairview Heights
  • Il
Henry J Glander said : Guest Report Jul 24, 2022 at 7:53 AM

My condolences to Don's family. Don and I attended the then " BAC " police academy, Session #36 together, Don was the President of our academy session, the Pres we called him! I share with many , Don was a great man, integrity above all. I recently worked with Don as one of his Public Safety Officer's, yes this find man will be missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace my friend.

  • Mascoutah
  • IL
Rebecca A Schweiss said : Guest Report Jul 23, 2022 at 7:36 PM

My deepest condolences to the Sax family. Don was a man of many talents and will be sorely missed by many who loved and cherished him. May God warmly surround your family. Becky (Wottowa)Schweiss

  • Belleville
  • IL
David Frame said : Guest Report Jul 23, 2022 at 3:35 PM

In my time with Donnie at the PD I had the utmost respect for him. He embodied honesty, integrity and empathy in everything he did and was a mentor for me and many others. It was an honor to have known him and have him as a friend. Rest in Peace and Godspeed, you will be missed sir.

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Tina Drummond said : Guest Report Jul 23, 2022 at 12:28 PM

Condolences to all of the Sax family. I cannot fathom how much Don will be missed, until we are rejoined with him again! A great man. Warmly, Tina (Tragesser) Drummond

  • LaGrange
  • IN

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