Elder Donald H. Day Sr.

Elder Donald Huston Day, Sr., 91, passed from earth to glory on Sunday, April 7, 2024. He was born September 29, 1932, in Dayton, Ohio, the son of the late Mazetta (Hawkins) Day and David Dewey Day.

Elder Day attended Dayton City Schools and graduated from Dunbar High School in 1952. He went on to serve in the United States Air Force until 1956. He continued to provide for his family, making an honest living working for the Springfield Board of Education, Frisch’s Big Boy, Ohio Bell, and later retiring from AT&T.

Elder Day’s life changed forever in 1975 when he was baptized in Jesus’ name and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. This significant event took place while he was under the leadership of the late Pastor Raymond E. Lloyd, Sr. From that day forward, Elder Day faithfully served at El Bethel Temple Church in Springfield, Ohio, and received his calling to the ministry in 1977. Throughout his service, Elder Day blessed many babies, united many couples in matrimony, baptized numerous individuals, and eulogized many others. Elder Day served faithfully in various capacities, including as the Southern Ohio District Brotherhood Vice-Chairman. He was known for his unwavering commitment, faithfulness, and his role as a mentor in the Ohio District Council Youth Department. As one of the most dedicated members of El Bethel Church, he spent several years as the Sunday School Superintendent, and he tirelessly ministered to the sick and shut-in. He served as one of the Associate Pastors and was later promoted to Assistant Pastor of El Bethel Temple for over 36 years, spreading the Word of God and bringing new vitality to the Christian faith. His love for the Lord was evident through his daily Bible study and meditation, which he continued until his last day. He was a passionate teacher and mentor, who enjoyed sharing his knowledge and wisdom with others. Whether it was in church, at home, at his early morning breakfast gatherings, or in the community, he used his words and actions to make a positive impact. Elder Day’s dedication to spreading the Word of God brought new life to the Christian faith not only within the church community, but also throughout his home, neighborhood, and the wider community.

Elder Day was a remarkable person who received numerous honors throughout his life. He was recognized for his contributions by the City of Springfield, surrounding communities, Western Hills neighborhood (where he lived for 66 years), church community, family, and most importantly, as a humble servant of God. He was considered by many as a living legend due to his many accomplishments, the many roles he served in, and the people he touched. Elder Day also had a profound effect on his family and friends. He was affectionately known by many as a father figure, confidante, guide, dear brother, and true friend. He loved everyone and never met a stranger. He was always willing to lend a hand, and in the midst of his travels, he had a unique way of connecting with each person individually. He was a compassionate friend to all and made time for everyone, desiring for each person to feel loved, cared for, and heard. He saw no one as a stranger and would go out of his way to strike up a conversation with anyone he crossed paths with. Elder Day was an exemplary demonstration of what it means to love God and love people.

Elder Day was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 51 years, Hope Ann (King) Day; his daughter, Cynthia Denise (Day) Williams (Washington, D.C.); father-in-law, James Mills; mother-in-law, Retha Mae (Hilliard) King; three sisters, Julia Meade, Nedra Garrett, and Ruth Williams (Oakland, CA); and three brothers, John E. Day, David F. Day, and Louis S. Day.

He leaves to cherish his precious memory, his two devoted sons, Donald H. (DeLonda) Day Jr. of Glen Burnie, Maryland, and Rev Godfrey S. (Natasha) Day of Trotwood, Ohio; sister, Angelica Johnson; and sisters-in-law, Rosie M. Day, both of Dayton, Ohio; ten grandchildren; four great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, spiritual family, and friends.

Well Done… Well Done… Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make
you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord. (Matt 25:23)

Visitation 10:00 AM and Funeral Service 12:00 PM Saturday, April 20, 2024 at El-Bethel Temple, 2049 Clifton Ave.. Interment at Dayton National Cemetery. Ministry of Comfort entrusted to MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, SPRINGFIELD CHAPEL, 823 S. Yellow Springs St. To read the complete obituary, order flowers, view video tribute and offer condolences to the Day Family, visit www.TheChapelofPeace.com