Don Jesse Lewis, age 95, passed away in his home on March 27, in Evanston. Don was born in Paris, Idaho, on May 8, 1921, as the oldest child to Jesse John and Vaughn Alberta Jacobson Lewis.
Don was preceded in death by his father, Jesse (1963), his mother, Vaughn (1948), his brothers, Fred and Harold, and his sister, VonNell.
Don graduated from Fielding High School in Paris, Idaho, in 1939, and attended Ricks College from 1940-42. He then volunteered and entered the U.S. Navy on Oct. 6, 1942. He served as an aviation electronic technicians mate first class, primarily in the Aleutian Islands until he was honorably discharged on Jan. 7, 1946.
Don attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, from 1946-48, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agronomy. He accepted a job as a soil scientist with the Soil Conservation Service of the United States Department of Agriculture in Afton upon graduation. He worked 36 years for the Soil Conservation Service mapping the soils in Western Wyoming until his retirement on July 3, 1984.
Don met Belle Stephens at a dance in Fish Haven, Idaho, at Bear Lake during the summer of 1947. Belle was born in Montpelier, Idaho, on August 13, 1927, the daughter of William Myrl and Freda Gortcinsky Stephens. Don and Belle were married in Montpelier, Idaho, on March 5, 1949. They moved to Evanston in 1950.
Don was an active member in the LDS Church and was ordained as a High Priest on July 15, 1992. He was also the Boy Scout leader for Troop 23 for more than 33 years; he helped produce Life and Eagle Scouts, and was awarded the prestigious Silver Beaver Award for his dedication to Scouting.
His favorite activities were camping, fishing, hunting and backpacking with his Scouts, sons, grandchildren and neighborhood children. His favorite places to enjoy and relax were the Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks.
He truly enjoyed backpacking in the Wind River Wilderness Area. Don was a dedicated husband and a great father, and he was always kind and generous — including taking care of his parents, his wife’s parents, siblings, wife’s siblings and others.
Don will be greatly missed by his wife, Belle, of Evanston; children Kelly (Vernita) Lewis of Centennial, Colorado; Gary (Kim) Lewis of Cody; Stephen (Veronica) of North Salt Lake, Utah; and Todd Lewis of Mariposa, California; six grandchildren: Jennifer, Ryan, Brittney, Lyndsey, Stephen Jr. and Jessica; and four great-grandchildren: Kylah, Belle, Ryder and Lily.
Funeral services, under the directions of the Crandall Funeral Home, will be held on April 1. Viewing will be at 10 a.m., and prayer will be held at the funeral home prior to graveside services at 11 a.m. LDS dedication of the gravesite, with military honors will follow at the family plot at the Evanston Cemetery.
Don’s request is that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a charity of your choice. The family expresses their deepest appreciation to the many neighbors, friends and Best Home Health providers for their service, care and kindness.
Online condolences may be given at crandallfhevanston.com.
