Don Lewis

Don Jesse Lewis
1921-2017
Don Jesse Lewis, age 95, passed away in his home on March 27, 2017 in Evanston, Wyoming. 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- 1942. Then he volunteered and entered the U.S. Navy on October 6, 1942. He served as an Aviation Electronic Technicians Mate First Class, primarily in the Aleutian Islands until he was honorably discharged on January 7, 1946. Don attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah from 1946 through 1948 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, Wyoming 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, Wyoming 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 Scouts Leader for Troop 23 for over 33 years where 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 & 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 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 - Evanston, Wyoming, Children: Kelly (Vernita) Lewis - Centennial, Colorado; Gary (Kim) Lewis - Cody, Wyoming; Stephen (Veronica) - North Salt Lake, Utah; and Todd Lewis - Mariposa, California; Six grandchildren: Jennifer, Ryan, Brittney, Lyndsey, Stephen Jr, and Jessica; and four Great Grand Children: Kylah, Belle, Ryder, and Lily.
Funeral Services, under the directions of the Crandall Funeral Home will be held on April 1, 2017. A viewing at 10:00 AM and prayer will be held at the funeral home prior to graveside services at 11:00 AM. 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 Healthcare providers for their service, care, and kindness.