David Miller Donaldson
1924 - 2014
VETERAN
Early Life: David was born October 2, 1924, to an honest blacksmith, John Kissel Donaldson, and an angel homemaker, Mary Elizabeth Doxey Donaldson, in Ogden, Utah. David was raised in the lean times and circumstances of the Depression, but his memories all came out positive. The defining event of his life was when, at sixteen years old, he experienced the love of God in an excruciating, painful industrial accident.
Life's Work | Service | Interests: During combat in World War II and through his life, he never feared death. In fighting the Germans, he earned expert BAR-rifleman status. He was rewarded a Purple Heart after suffering wounds too numerous to count, from a German land mine. He later came to love the German people and culture as he visited and sent two of his sons as missionaries to Germany. At the University of Utah, in an English class, David met the love of his life, Eliza Lavina Livingston. The teacher would read his hilarious writings. On August 14, 1947, they married in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After completing his PhD and with significant financial sacrifice, he took a position teaching and researching in microbiology and immunology at Brigham Young University from 1955 to 1989. He received the highest faculty awards and was committed to his many graduate students. David enjoyed his Great Books Group for over fifty years, watching BYU sports, fishing, hunting, art museums, travel and annual trips to Yellowstone National Park with his extended family. He served diligently in his callings as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whether as home teacher, bishop, cubmaster or as leader in the Young Men organization. He supported eight sons on their missions and donated to out-going missionaries. His sacrifice and service to family (nuclear, extended and in-laws), church, BYU, neighbors and friends, cannot be counted but is recorded in heaven and in his loved ones' hearts. His substantial worldly accomplishments paled to his great love and devotion to his parents, siblings, children, grandchildren and great-grands. He, in turn, appreciated the service they extended to him. David and his eternal companion felt undeserving of the abundant, good fortune in their lives and family. David Miller Donaldson passed away Wednesday, July 2, 2014, at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo, Utah.
Family Message: "We extend our deepest appreciation to all of the healthcare professionals and staff who went the extra mile to help our Dad, particularly Tom Meyers MD (former graduate student). Dad was able to remain at home these last ten years because of his devoted daughter, Rebecca. He appreciated friends that visited frequently. David Miller Donaldson told his posterity on Fathers Day 2014 in his usual, witty way, Adios. We replied then as we do now, It was a great blessing to have you as our Dad."
Survived By: His sons and daughters: David (Nancy), Mark (Leslie), John (Christine), Stephen (Sharon), Rebecca, Paul (Debbie), Craig (Alice), Matthew (Meredith), Daniel (Liz). He was generous and his home was always open for his forty-three grandchildren and sixty-nine great-grandchildren. He is missed by his siblings: Jay (Lila), Harold (Martha Ann), Joan (Ed), Helen (Blaine), Barbara (Dale), Paul (Karma) and Carol (Keith); and in-laws: Parley Joe (Joanne) Livingston and Louise (Ed) L. Erickson.
Preceded In Death By: His parents; his wife; eight half siblings: John, Bob, Darrel, May, Jack, Hazel, Arlene and Walt; his infant brother, Ralph; a sister, Ruth (and Loa); and a great grandson, Thomas Collett.
Published Obituary: The Daily Herald | Provo, Utah | 4 July 2014
Services: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Location: Edgemont 2nd Ward Chapel | Provo, Utah
Burial: East Lawn Memorial Hills Cemetery
Bio compiled by: Annie Duckett Hundley
1924 - 2014
VETERAN
Early Life: David was born October 2, 1924, to an honest blacksmith, John Kissel Donaldson, and an angel homemaker, Mary Elizabeth Doxey Donaldson, in Ogden, Utah. David was raised in the lean times and circumstances of the Depression, but his memories all came out positive. The defining event of his life was when, at sixteen years old, he experienced the love of God in an excruciating, painful industrial accident.
Life's Work | Service | Interests: During combat in World War II and through his life, he never feared death. In fighting the Germans, he earned expert BAR-rifleman status. He was rewarded a Purple Heart after suffering wounds too numerous to count, from a German land mine. He later came to love the German people and culture as he visited and sent two of his sons as missionaries to Germany. At the University of Utah, in an English class, David met the love of his life, Eliza Lavina Livingston. The teacher would read his hilarious writings. On August 14, 1947, they married in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After completing his PhD and with significant financial sacrifice, he took a position teaching and researching in microbiology and immunology at Brigham Young University from 1955 to 1989. He received the highest faculty awards and was committed to his many graduate students. David enjoyed his Great Books Group for over fifty years, watching BYU sports, fishing, hunting, art museums, travel and annual trips to Yellowstone National Park with his extended family. He served diligently in his callings as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whether as home teacher, bishop, cubmaster or as leader in the Young Men organization. He supported eight sons on their missions and donated to out-going missionaries. His sacrifice and service to family (nuclear, extended and in-laws), church, BYU, neighbors and friends, cannot be counted but is recorded in heaven and in his loved ones' hearts. His substantial worldly accomplishments paled to his great love and devotion to his parents, siblings, children, grandchildren and great-grands. He, in turn, appreciated the service they extended to him. David and his eternal companion felt undeserving of the abundant, good fortune in their lives and family. David Miller Donaldson passed away Wednesday, July 2, 2014, at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo, Utah.
Family Message: "We extend our deepest appreciation to all of the healthcare professionals and staff who went the extra mile to help our Dad, particularly Tom Meyers MD (former graduate student). Dad was able to remain at home these last ten years because of his devoted daughter, Rebecca. He appreciated friends that visited frequently. David Miller Donaldson told his posterity on Fathers Day 2014 in his usual, witty way, Adios. We replied then as we do now, It was a great blessing to have you as our Dad."
Survived By: His sons and daughters: David (Nancy), Mark (Leslie), John (Christine), Stephen (Sharon), Rebecca, Paul (Debbie), Craig (Alice), Matthew (Meredith), Daniel (Liz). He was generous and his home was always open for his forty-three grandchildren and sixty-nine great-grandchildren. He is missed by his siblings: Jay (Lila), Harold (Martha Ann), Joan (Ed), Helen (Blaine), Barbara (Dale), Paul (Karma) and Carol (Keith); and in-laws: Parley Joe (Joanne) Livingston and Louise (Ed) L. Erickson.
Preceded In Death By: His parents; his wife; eight half siblings: John, Bob, Darrel, May, Jack, Hazel, Arlene and Walt; his infant brother, Ralph; a sister, Ruth (and Loa); and a great grandson, Thomas Collett.
Published Obituary: The Daily Herald | Provo, Utah | 4 July 2014
Services: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Location: Edgemont 2nd Ward Chapel | Provo, Utah
Burial: East Lawn Memorial Hills Cemetery
Bio compiled by: Annie Duckett Hundley
David Miller Donaldson
1924 - 2014
VETERAN
Early Life: David was born October 2, 1924, to an honest blacksmith, John Kissel Donaldson, and an angel homemaker, Mary Elizabeth Doxey Donaldson, in Ogden, Utah. David was raised in the lean times and circumstances of the Depression, but his memories all came out positive. The defining event of his life was when, at sixteen years old, he experienced the love of God in an excruciating, painful industrial accident.
Life's Work | Service | Interests: During combat in World War II and through his life, he never feared death. In fighting the Germans, he earned expert BAR-rifleman status. He was rewarded a Purple Heart after suffering wounds too numerous to count, from a German land mine. He later came to love the German people and culture as he visited and sent two of his sons as missionaries to Germany. At the University of Utah, in an English class, David met the love of his life, Eliza Lavina Livingston. The teacher would read his hilarious writings. On August 14, 1947, they married in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After completing his PhD and with significant financial sacrifice, he took a position teaching and researching in microbiology and immunology at Brigham Young University from 1955 to 1989. He received the highest faculty awards and was committed to his many graduate students. David enjoyed his Great Books Group for over fifty years, watching BYU sports, fishing, hunting, art museums, travel and annual trips to Yellowstone National Park with his extended family. He served diligently in his callings as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whether as home teacher, bishop, cubmaster or as leader in the Young Men organization. He supported eight sons on their missions and donated to out-going missionaries. His sacrifice and service to family (nuclear, extended and in-laws), church, BYU, neighbors and friends, cannot be counted but is recorded in heaven and in his loved ones' hearts. His substantial worldly accomplishments paled to his great love and devotion to his parents, siblings, children, grandchildren and great-grands. He, in turn, appreciated the service they extended to him. David and his eternal companion felt undeserving of the abundant, good fortune in their lives and family. David Miller Donaldson passed away Wednesday, July 2, 2014, at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo, Utah.
Family Message: "We extend our deepest appreciation to all of the healthcare professionals and staff who went the extra mile to help our Dad, particularly Tom Meyers MD (former graduate student). Dad was able to remain at home these last ten years because of his devoted daughter, Rebecca. He appreciated friends that visited frequently. David Miller Donaldson told his posterity on Fathers Day 2014 in his usual, witty way, Adios. We replied then as we do now, It was a great blessing to have you as our Dad."
Survived By: His sons and daughters: David (Nancy), Mark (Leslie), John (Christine), Stephen (Sharon), Rebecca, Paul (Debbie), Craig (Alice), Matthew (Meredith), Daniel (Liz). He was generous and his home was always open for his forty-three grandchildren and sixty-nine great-grandchildren. He is missed by his siblings: Jay (Lila), Harold (Martha Ann), Joan (Ed), Helen (Blaine), Barbara (Dale), Paul (Karma) and Carol (Keith); and in-laws: Parley Joe (Joanne) Livingston and Louise (Ed) L. Erickson.
Preceded In Death By: His parents; his wife; eight half siblings: John, Bob, Darrel, May, Jack, Hazel, Arlene and Walt; his infant brother, Ralph; a sister, Ruth (and Loa); and a great grandson, Thomas Collett.
Published Obituary: The Daily Herald | Provo, Utah | 4 July 2014
Services: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Location: Edgemont 2nd Ward Chapel | Provo, Utah
Burial: East Lawn Memorial Hills Cemetery
Bio compiled by: Annie Duckett Hundley
1924 - 2014
VETERAN
Early Life: David was born October 2, 1924, to an honest blacksmith, John Kissel Donaldson, and an angel homemaker, Mary Elizabeth Doxey Donaldson, in Ogden, Utah. David was raised in the lean times and circumstances of the Depression, but his memories all came out positive. The defining event of his life was when, at sixteen years old, he experienced the love of God in an excruciating, painful industrial accident.
Life's Work | Service | Interests: During combat in World War II and through his life, he never feared death. In fighting the Germans, he earned expert BAR-rifleman status. He was rewarded a Purple Heart after suffering wounds too numerous to count, from a German land mine. He later came to love the German people and culture as he visited and sent two of his sons as missionaries to Germany. At the University of Utah, in an English class, David met the love of his life, Eliza Lavina Livingston. The teacher would read his hilarious writings. On August 14, 1947, they married in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After completing his PhD and with significant financial sacrifice, he took a position teaching and researching in microbiology and immunology at Brigham Young University from 1955 to 1989. He received the highest faculty awards and was committed to his many graduate students. David enjoyed his Great Books Group for over fifty years, watching BYU sports, fishing, hunting, art museums, travel and annual trips to Yellowstone National Park with his extended family. He served diligently in his callings as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whether as home teacher, bishop, cubmaster or as leader in the Young Men organization. He supported eight sons on their missions and donated to out-going missionaries. His sacrifice and service to family (nuclear, extended and in-laws), church, BYU, neighbors and friends, cannot be counted but is recorded in heaven and in his loved ones' hearts. His substantial worldly accomplishments paled to his great love and devotion to his parents, siblings, children, grandchildren and great-grands. He, in turn, appreciated the service they extended to him. David and his eternal companion felt undeserving of the abundant, good fortune in their lives and family. David Miller Donaldson passed away Wednesday, July 2, 2014, at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo, Utah.
Family Message: "We extend our deepest appreciation to all of the healthcare professionals and staff who went the extra mile to help our Dad, particularly Tom Meyers MD (former graduate student). Dad was able to remain at home these last ten years because of his devoted daughter, Rebecca. He appreciated friends that visited frequently. David Miller Donaldson told his posterity on Fathers Day 2014 in his usual, witty way, Adios. We replied then as we do now, It was a great blessing to have you as our Dad."
Survived By: His sons and daughters: David (Nancy), Mark (Leslie), John (Christine), Stephen (Sharon), Rebecca, Paul (Debbie), Craig (Alice), Matthew (Meredith), Daniel (Liz). He was generous and his home was always open for his forty-three grandchildren and sixty-nine great-grandchildren. He is missed by his siblings: Jay (Lila), Harold (Martha Ann), Joan (Ed), Helen (Blaine), Barbara (Dale), Paul (Karma) and Carol (Keith); and in-laws: Parley Joe (Joanne) Livingston and Louise (Ed) L. Erickson.
Preceded In Death By: His parents; his wife; eight half siblings: John, Bob, Darrel, May, Jack, Hazel, Arlene and Walt; his infant brother, Ralph; a sister, Ruth (and Loa); and a great grandson, Thomas Collett.
Published Obituary: The Daily Herald | Provo, Utah | 4 July 2014
Services: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Location: Edgemont 2nd Ward Chapel | Provo, Utah
Burial: East Lawn Memorial Hills Cemetery
Bio compiled by: Annie Duckett Hundley
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
