Ernest Don McCoun

1926 ~ 2020

Obituary Photo for Ernest Don McCoun < >

Viewing:

July 5, 2020
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
2625 East Milo Way, Holladay, Utah
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  • Service:

    July 6, 2020
    6:00 AM
    500 North Main Street, Pleasant Grove, Utah
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  • Ernest Don McCoun, age 94, was born January 13, 1926 to Ernest Jacob and Florence Dickerson McCoun at the Holy Cross Hospital in SLC, UT. He had two sisters Faye Memmott and Sarah, who died as an infant, and one brother Joseph Gene. He passed away June 29, 2020 peacefully of natural causes at home surrounded by his wife Karen and children Kerry, Kathleen Phillips and Kyle.

    Don lived in Salt Lake City most of his life. His family lived in Pasadena, CA when he was age 3 to 7. He took his family to live in Idaho Falls, ID for 3 years during his career with Sears.

    At East High School, Don played the coronet in the band and was a member of the ROTC. Following high school Don attended the University of Utah and earned his BS degree in Marketing and Retail Merchandising. Through college he worked at Snelgroves as a soda jerk and at ZCMI as a delivery truck driver. His college led him to a career in retail merchandising with Sears.

    Don was drafted into the Army where he served as a Counter Intelligence Officer. He was stationed in Sendai, Japan at the end of World War II for 18 months. He was called to serve again during the Korean War for 2 more years. Don was a member of the 441st Counter Intelligence Corp in Kyoto, Japan and Inchon, Korea. His duties included being a courier of Top Secret Pouches from Sendai to Tokyo and he conducted personnel investigations for Top Secret Army Security Clearance. Don was in the Salt Lake City Army Reserves Intelligence Detachment for 6 years. Don thoroughly enjoyed his counter intelligence training and work in the Army. He thought about a career in the FBI but couldn’t qualify because of the 20/20 vision requirement.

    Don’s first merchandising job was at ZCMI as assistant buyer for the men’s department. He then went to Sears as a college trainee and merchandise control manager. Through his 33 year career he was division manager, merchandise manager, then district merchandise manager for the downtown and Fashion Place Sear’s stores. Don loved merchandising. As he moved through all departments he boosted sales and kept getting promoted. He was responsible for 12 million dollars in sales and profit for the Utah and Idaho stores. Don won reward trips, a gold coin, trophies and plaques for outstanding profit in merchandising in all United States Sears stores.

    Don married Maralyn Mills on April 13, 1950 in the Salt Lake Temple. She passed away March 18, 1989. Don was blessed with a second marriage to Karen Martin Campbell May 24, 1990 and sealed in the Jordan River Temple.

    After retirement Don enjoyed community service with Meals on Wheels as a delivery person; SCORE which is Service Core of Retired Executives where he advised people going into business; and SBA the Small Business Administration. He also worked as a bank courier for BMA.

    Through Don’s life he was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent, Elders Quorum Teacher, Ward Clerk, and Stake Clerk. He served a mission for the church as a Member Locator. He strongly believed the gospel and lived its teachings. He loved the Savior and Heavenly Father.

    Don enjoyed drawing and works of art. He played golf most of his life beginning as a caddy at the SL Country Club during his teens. Don worked out physically at the gym and mentally completing the daily crossword puzzle. He took pride in maintaining a beautiful home and yard. He traveled often with his work and also enjoyed several trips after retirement to Hawaii, Italy and winter escapes to Palm Desert, CA to golf and relax with friends.

    Don is survived by his wife Karen, children Kerry, Kathleen (Ed) Phillips, Kyle (Dawn Levingston); 5 grandchildren Ray, Davis (Chelsea), Evan, Ellary, and Henry; and one great granddaughter Avarie. He was thrilled with the news that twin great granddaughters are expected in October. He is also survived by his stepchildren Jim (Judith) Campbell, Kay (Kent Ellett), Tom (Kim) Campbell; and 18 grandchildren Sarah (Evan), Joshua (Tara), Matthew, Mary, Michael, Kate, Morgan (Al), Jason (Hanna), Karissa, Breeann, Taylor, Tom (Jentry), Ashley, Isaac, Ben, Jake, Ellie and David. Don loves all of his children, grandchildren and their spouses and each of the 24 grandchildren.

    The family will receive friends Sunday, July 5 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Holladay 18th Ward Chapel, 2625 East Milo Way (4910 S.), Holladay, UT. A family graveside service will be held at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery, 500 N. Main Street at 12:00 noon on Monday, July 6th.

    The family wishes to express special thanks for their compassionate care to Randy and the Silverado Hospice Staff, especially Kristy, Danny and Giancario.


    Guestbook/Condolences

    Dear Sweet Uncle Don.....forever in my heart!

    Kerry, Kathy, and Kyle....thoughts are with you during this difficult time...all my love, now and always...
    ...Cousin Annee


    - Annee McCoun

    My dear Kerry, Kathy and Kyle,
    Dads are always so loved...and missed! I can see each of you in him. What a wonderful life, you are the proof. Sincerest condolences and much love, melinda


    - melinda

    I have many fond memories of doing things with Don and Maralyn, particularily time we spent with them in San Francisco. I extend mine and Nancys sympathies to your great loss, til you can meet again.


    - Harley Mills

    Dear Kerry, Kathy, and Kyle,
    What a great man your Dad is. His strong moral fiber is an example to all. May you all be comforted at this time with sweet memories of your lives together.
    Love to you all,
    Kent and Rosemary Evans


    - Kent and Rosemary Evans

    Kerry, I'm sorry for the loss of your father.It sounds like he had a rich full life.


    - Betty Sturdevant

    I have such fond and lasting memories of your family and the times we were all together at Nana and Papa's. Laying on the floor coloring, looking out back for injun Joe, Nana's Thanksgiving stuffing, Papa's carefully wrapped cookies. It was a warm and wonderful time and Uncle Don, Aunt Maralyn, Kerry, Kathy and Kyle are all part of those family memories.

    I'm sorry I can't be there for you during this time, as you were for us. I look forward to the next time we all come together as a family. And can't wait to see your father and mine.

    Laurie Mc Coun


    - Laurie McCoun

    Dear Karen,
    We want to extend our sympathies to you on the loss of your husband.
    It was interesting to read his obituary. What an awesome man.
    You are in our thoughts.

    Ralph and Dianne Sonzini


    - Dianne Sonzini