Donald was born in Traskwood, Arkansas and was the Seventh son born to Corydon Julius Benedict and Cora Lee Braswell Benedict, their 9th child. His father died from a cancerous tumor under his arm when Donald was 6 years old. His mother remarried to Joseph G. Hearn after the death of his father.

Donald received a fine education at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He earned a degree in Economics and Sociology and later received higher education in International Trade, Claims Adjusting, Realty, Sheet metal, Blueprint, Police, and Safety Education.

Donald served his country with pride and honor during World War II in the U.S. Army. He served as an Information Officer for the U.S. Army. He held many jobs relating to his education. He worked as a Sheet metal Journeyman/Foreman for Boeing Airplane Company in Seattle, Washington for a period of 3 and a half years. He was a Safety Engineer for Transamerica Insurance Corp, in Portland, Oregon. Donald was also the Director of Safety in Arkansas for two years. While living in Phoenix, Arizona he made a living as an OSHA Compliance Officer and Director. Donald and his family had also resided in the Washington D.C. area where he was the Safety Manager at the Office of Personnel Management.

Donald ended his working career in Salem, Oregon. He had dedicated over 35 years to the safety profession. He was an editor of the state's only official safety magazine SAFER OREGON for 11 years. He worked for 15 years for the State of Oregon on the Workman's Comp Board as a Safety Inspector, as the Special Services Officer in Education, and as a Public Relations Officer. Donald held memberships in both the Oregon Press and Broadcasters Associations and was often a speaker at both association's Annual meetings and conferences-- including the Women's Press association conventions.

Donald had many blessings, namely a loving daughter and two sons. One of God's greatest blessings bestowed on him was his lovely wife Geraldine Doddridge Benedict.They were maried in Traskwood, Arkansas in 1939 and she was a wonderful helpmate to Donald for all their married life, they retired in Salem, Oregon.