Our loving husband, dad, grandpa, grandpa great and friend, Donald (Don) Lee Boswell, born July 12, 1936 in Salt Lake City, Utah, returned to our Heavenly Father October 10, 2014 at the age of 78 after a courageous battle with leukemia. Born to Leland Alfred and Dorothy Belle Wilson Boswell. Graduated from West High School in 1954. Graduated from the University of Utah with a Degree in Business. Received an Honorable Discharge from Utah Air National Guard and United States Air Force in February 1962 after 8 years of service. Married and sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple to the love of his life, Elizabeth (Beth) Dexter, April 19, 1957. She preceded him in death August 8, 1988.
Married Sharon Nelson December 1, 1990. Later divorced.
Don was in the automotive parts business beginning when he was 12 years old, working with his father at Mendenhall's Auto Parts. Don opened his own NAPA Auto Parts store, Midtown Auto Parts, in 1964, which he owned and operated with his wife and children for 20 years. He then went on to work for Raybestos Brake Company where he retired after 15 years. After his retirement he developed a greater love for his natural gift of playing the piano, which he has played for over 70 years. Dad played at many events and in several restaurants over the past 15 years, mainly the Roof Restaurant, The Inn at Temple Square, The Sky Bar and his favorite, The Cinegrill. He was anxiously awaiting their re-opening so he could begin playing there again. He loved the employees and customers there very much. While he was hospitalized at LDS Hospital, he played "mini concerts" for patients and staff. Dad was an avid bowler and classic car enthusiast. He enjoyed cooking, gardening, and creative yard and home projects. He was an ice cream connoisseur and admittedly not very good at golf. He was a faithful and devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served in many callings throughout his life in the Colonial Hills First Ward and most recently in the High Priest Group Presidency in the Emigration 21st North Ward. He also served in the Salt Lake Regional Medical Center Branch. Don was a friend to everyone and loved by all.
Dad was the glue that held our family together. His family meant everything to him. He was so proud of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He and his family were able to enjoy a wonderful family vacation in Dana Point, California in July 2014, which was a dream come true for him. He is survived by his five children, Terri (Mark) Hooton, Denise (Bob) Leeflang, Sandy Terkelson, John Boswell, and Elaine (Mike) Perry; his brothers and sisters in law, who were the siblings he never had, Richard Dexter, Joan and Ken Fackrell, and Carol Holdaway; 15 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces and nephews, who he dearly loved. Preceded in death by his wife Beth; parents; daughter in law Lisa Boswell; brother in law Dennis Holdaway; nephew Michael Fackrell and granddaughter Jamie Perry.
We would like to thank the LDS Hospital East 8th floor and BMT Clinic nurses, doctors and staff who gave him an extra 2 Ω years with his family. They treated our dad with great care, love, and respect, and we will be forever grateful to them. They made this very difficult journey bearable.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 16, 2014 at the Emigration 21st North Ward, 2nd Avenue and K Street, at 12:00 Noon. Viewings will be held at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple, Wednesday, October 15, 2014 from 6 to 8 PM and at the ward one hour prior to services. Interment: Salt Lake City Cemetery.
