My Grandpa

Obituaries Donald Dee Stewart

(April 28, 1922 - October 16, 2009)

On October 16, 2009, our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Donald Dee Stewart was called home from this life. His death came after a lingering illness due to age. He passed away at home while holding hands with his beloved wife and surrounded by members of his family. He will always be remembered as a kind, sweet, humble man who loved to work hard and serve his fellowmen. He loved his family and was beloved by them.

Don was born in Fairview, Utah, on April 28, 1922, the second child of Francillo and Adrea Stewart. He grew up on a farm in Fairview and enjoyed working with animals. He especially had a great love for horses. He loved being in the mountains and taught all of his family to love the outdoors as well. From 1942 to 1944, he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the New England States Mission. Six weeks after completing his mission in 1944, he was called into the Navy where he served for two years during World War II. He was also later called upon to serve in Japan during the Korean War. In 1946, Don began working at the Granite Furniture Company where he spent his entire career in sales, purchasing and customer relations. He was a hard worker and was loved and respected by all those he worked with. On May 9, 1949, he married Janet Richards in the Salt Lake Temple and they spent 60 wonderful years together until he passed away.

In 1955, Don and Janet built a home in the East Millcreek area. Here they raised a family of six children. Don has always had a great love for the Lord and has served faithfully in the LDS Church wherever he was called. He served in the young men’s program for many years. He also served in the stake and ward Sunday School organizations and as a counselor in the bishopric. After retiring from his career, he spent 16 glorious years working in the Salt Lake Temple. He said that this was the most fulfilling calling he ever had in the Church.

As a supportive father, he was often found at scout camp working and having fun with the boys. Taking boys on jeep rides at fathers and sons outings was always a highlight in his life. He also loved taking his family and the youth out in the boat. Many wonderful memories were created through trips to Flaming Gorge, Lake Powell, Jackson Lake and other places where he was always ready to take someone out water skiing or fishing. Don loved being outside working in his yard and garden. He loved going for early morning walks or playing golf and enjoying the cool, quiet morning air.
Don leaves as survivors his sweet wife Janet, six children, Brent (Elaine), David (Diane), Don (Julie), Joel (Julie), Jana Ellis (Eric), Alison Jensen (Craig), 16 grandchildren, four great grandchildren, sister, Reva Peterson and sister-in-law, Barbara Stewart.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday October 20, 2009 at 12:00 noon at the Rosecrest 1st Ward, 3101 South 2300 East. A viewing will be held on Monday evening, October 19, 2009 at Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Tuesday morning from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. prior to services. Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.holbrookmortuary.com