Donald Ray Carlson

Donald Ray Carlson (93) passed away on Thursday, October 30, 2025. His friends knew him as “Don” but his most cherished titles were Dad, Grandpa and Great-Grandpa.

Don was born March 6, 1932 in Idaho Falls, Idaho. His parents were Emil Axel Carlson and Lillian Elenor Irene Smith Carlson. He was the second of four children, with his siblings being Jeanne, Richard and Larry. Emil taught his boys how to work hard and Lillian liked to say her boys were no ordinary Tom, Dick and Harry, but the Carlson boys: Don, Dick and Larry.

Don attended Emerson Elementary, O.C. Bell Junior High, and graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1950. He joined the National Guard while still a junior in high school. On June 27, 1950 President Truman announced support for South Korea and in August 1950, Don’s 116th Engineer Combat Battalion Idaho National Guard was activated. He headed to Korea where he served as a medic. He completed his service in Korea in February of 1952, achieving the rank of sergeant. In September 2022 Don was honored to fly with the Utah Honor Flight to visit the Korean War Memorial in Washington D.C.

Don married Elizabeth Ann “Beth” Farnsworth in Ucon, Idaho in her mother’s living room on August 30, 1952. He was a romantic and enjoyed sharing their love story. Don said that Beth saved him and he gave her much of the credit for the man that he became. In so many ways they saved each other. They remembered fondly the many friends they made along life’s journey as they established homes is Boise ID, Pocatello ID, Eugene OR, and Sandy UT. They were able to celebrated their 69th anniversary before Beth passed away on January 20, 2022. Together Don and Beth had 4 children: Brett, Brad, Betty and Bill.

Most of Don’s working career was spent with Allstate Insurance as a claims adjuster. For years he was part of their catastrophe team and helped people begin to piece their lives back together after a tornado, hurricane, or fire.

Don chose to be baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 28, 1955. On May 22, 1956 Don and Beth were sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple. In Don’s senior years he was an avid reader and made sure to include a yearly reading of the Book of Mormon.

Don enjoyed watching sports of any kind, especially college football. He loved cheering on the BYU cougars. His favorite vacations were probably camping with family on the Oregon coast, or in southern Utah. He loved a good Farnsworth family reunion. He liked working with wood and built his grandchildren toys, bookcases, desks, and dollhouses. He enjoyed meeting new people and could talk a stranger’s ear off. Don relished a good game of pinochle and always said, go big or go home. He told his children to get a good night’s sleep before a road trip and to get some new tires. He taught his grandchildren how to eat a candy bar in 3 bites and that a dozen donuts sometimes becomes a box of ten on the drive home. Along with the fun things, he was a stable, steady influence in his childrens' lives. He was always there to help us move, finish our basement or hold our babies. We will miss him.

Don is survived by: Bradley R Carlson (Barbara) of Rigby ID, Elizabeth Ann Deus (Andy) of West Jordan UT, William R Carlson (Cristy) of Sandy UT; 12 grandchildren Wade Carlson (Nicole), Nathan Carlson (Alisha), David Carlson (Cheri), Daniel Carlson (Crystal), Craig Carlson (Tiffany), Kristina Stickley (Tom), Sheena Chaston (John), Juliann Dalton (Ben), Lisa Bonner (Travis), Brooke Hirschi (Ricky), Brian Carlson, Brittany Allen (Raul), and 30 great grandchildren. He is also survived by sister-in-laws Connie Carlson of Idaho Falls ID, Ramona Excell of Golden Colorado, Genevieve Cleverley of Idaho Falls, ID and Elaine Chapman of Twin Falls ID, as well as many special nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his wife Beth, son Brett Donald Carlson, grandson Benjamin Maurice Carlson, and his parents and 3 siblings.

For the last seven years Don has called Cedarwood at Sandy home. It has been his happy place full of friends and activities. Thank you to all who work and live there.

His family would also like to acknowledge all of the wonderful people at Cedarwood and Suncrest Hospice who have so kindly cared for and supported him as his health declined. We are grateful to you for all you have done.

A memorial service for Don will be held on Friday November 7, 2025 at 11:00 am at the Larkin Sunset Gardens Chapel, 1950 E 10600 S, Sandy, Utah. Viewing to be held at 10:00 am, one hour prior to the memorial service. Interment will be at the Sandy City Cemetery immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Utah Honor Flight or humanitarian fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.