Donald Jay Lewis Sr.

Donald Jay Lewis Sr passed away Monday, October 9, 2023, in his home. He spent his final hours surrounded by his loving family and friends. Don’s life was devoted to his love for his family and the Savior. The gospel of Jesus Christ was always the foundation of his life. He enjoyed serving in the church throughout his life. From teaching primary to bishopric callings to serving as a temple worker in the Salt Lake Temple and Jordan River Temple, he found joy in the gospel.

Don was born in Price, Utah, to George and Phyllis Lewis. He spent much of his youth working on the family farm and cattle ranch. As time went on, Don and his own children spent many years there. The farm was the backdrop where Don taught his children the value of hard work. Some of his children’s fondest memories are spending time with their dad at the farm. Whether it was baling hay, building fences, or branding cattle, they created many special memories on the farm.

Don met the love of his life, Jonda, when they both went to see the Kingston Trio at Lagoon. Their love blossomed as they spent two years writing to each other while he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Northern California. They were married in the Manti Temple on December 8, 1962, shortly after he returned home. Don and Jonda spent the early years of their marriage in Frankfurt, Germany, where he was stationed with the United States Army. They enjoyed seeing Europe together and welcomed their first daughter while they were in Germany.

After his service in the Army, they returned home. They settled in Salt Lake City. Together he and Jonda welcomed another six children. Don attended LDS Business School and the University of Utah. He worked as an accountant for several companies until eventually retiring from Utah Power and Light. He taught his children love and respect for the outdoors with camping trips. He taught his children resourcefulness working on home projects and fixing cars. While his children learned about devotion and hard work from him, they were also taught the fine art of pranking each other – something his children and grandchildren will carry forward. His devotion to his family was filled with love and humor.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Jonda. His children Lynn (Dave) Tate, Sheri (Dave) Kramer, John (JoAnne) Lewis, Don (Michelle) Lewis, Jim (Shannon) Lewis, Jaylene (Andy) Amacher, and Richard (Ashleigh) Lewis; 46 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; his siblings, Eunice (Mack) Luke, Ted M. Lewis, and Kimball (Myrna) Lewis. He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Phyllis Lewis, his older brother Norris Lewis, sister-in-law Barbara Lewis, and great-granddaughter Astrid Joyce Lewis.

Our family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the medical and hospital staff for their care. We are especially grateful for the loving care of Ashleigh Lewis for making this journey more comfortable for Don and his family.

Funeral services will be held at Noon on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at the LDS Chapel located 2700 West 13400 South, Riverton, Utah. Friends may call at the church on Saturday one hour prior to funeral services. Interment will be in the Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery in Sandy, Utah immediately following the services.

Funeral services will be streamed via Zoom for those wishing to attend virtually. To watch the previously help funeral services, please click the "Watch Services" link above.