Donald Henry Sampson was born in Aberdeen, Washington on September 21, 1928, the son of Fran and Nellie Sampson. He grew up in Aberdeen, playing football at Weatherwax High School. He entered the Army Air Force in 1946 and while at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington DC won the base's Light Heavyweight Boxing Championship. He also served at SAC Headquarters at Offut Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska. 

Following military discharge, he served four years on the Raymond Police Department and obtained his private pilot's license. He worked for the Department of Natural Resources and for several road construction companies. Donald was Exalted Ruler of the Raymond Elks Lodge in 1967-68. 

After retirement, he and wife Vivian traveled the world, visiting more than 100 countries. During a cruise in Brunei, they met the Sultan of Brunei and in the Philippines, they were invited to lunch with Imelda Marcos at her Tacloban estate. Their travels were shown in narrated slide shows to schools and various local organizations.

Donald served as a volunteer at Willapa Harbor Hospital and built birdhouses for both friends and for fundraising. 

Donald is survived by Jan Adair and his nephew Paul Austin.