Donald Eller grew up in Petersburg, Virginia, where he attended public schools. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1929. Donald had a distinguished Naval career. He commanded the USS Burns during World War II and participated in the invasion of the Gilbert Islands and opertions on the Marshall and Marianias Islands. At the time of his retirement, he had been promoted to Rear Admiral.

Upon his death, Donald's ashes were burried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. Later, some ashes were also burried at Pohick Church, next to the body of his first wife.

He was married to Dorothy Elizabeth Wood on 31 May 1930 in Baltimore, Maryland. Dorothy Elizabeth WOOD was born on 2 Mar 1908. She died on 8 May 1985. She was buried in Pohick Church, Fairfax County, Virginia. Dot's Grandfather Kearney worked for the railroad in St. Paul, Minnesota.