Donald J. Woolsey
(May 20, 1923 - September 24, 2011)
(May 20, 1923 - September 24, 2011)
Donald J. Woolsey (aged 88) passed away peacefully in Murray, Utah after a 40-year battle with multiple health problems. He was born in Tropic, Utah to James Emil Woolsey and Sarah Verda Ahlstrom.
With beautiful Bryce Canyon as his backyard playground, he grew up enjoying the out of doors. As a young boy, he herded sheep with his father and grandfather in Escalante. He loved fishing and hunting, but camping was his lifelong passion. As soon as he returned from one camping trip, he was eager to go on the next one. In his later years, he enjoyed sitting on his front porch in the evenings to watch the sunsets and wave to neighbors and passersby.
After completing high school, he moved to Salt Lake City in 1942 and trained as a welder, which became his lifetime occupation. In 1943, he enlisted in the navy and served valiantly in World War II. On June 10, 1945, while sailing in the ocean waters of Okinawa, his ship (the USS Wm. D. Porter, a destroyer) was hit by a Japanese Kamikaze plane. Although the ship was sunk and 61 men were wounded, not one serviceman lost their lives in that bombing.
Upon his return home to Utah, Don married Lillian May Bender on May 10, 1947 in Provo, Utah. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on May 31, 1958. They settled their young family in Murray, Utah—their final residence. After Lillian's passing, Donald married Florence Louise Holder on July 10, 2001 in Murray, Utah and they were blessed to share 11 years together before his death.
He was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings including a memorable experience in the Elder's Quorum presidency. Since his health rendered him unable to get to church meetings, he continued to receive the sacrament in his home. During the last few weeks of his life, he enjoyed daily visits from members of his Ward.
He was always a gentleman and surmounted many obstacles in life with pride and dignity. He seldom asked for favors or help but was openly grateful for acts of kindness shown him. He was a devoted husband, a proud father and a kind grandfather. He loved having visitors and getting phone calls. He never ended a conversation without saying, "I love you."
He had an undaunting spirit for life and faced each day with a sense of purpose and humor. He never complained about the burdens brought on by old age and disease. His country upbringing left him with an arsenal of quips and catch phrases that colored his conversations and made us laugh. When asked how he was doing, he would often respond with, "I could lick my weight in wild cats." He fought a brave fight and proved a worthy opponent even the face of death. We will miss him greatly and will love him forever.
Donald is survived by his good wife Florence Holder, a sister MonaGene Sorensen, three lovely daughters: Loretta (Gary) Carter, Darlene (Rich) Bairett, Donna (Randy) Christiansen, 18 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his former wife Lillian Woolsey, parents Emil and Verda Woolsey, sister MaeVonne Adams and a grand-daughter, Heather May Kotter.
A viewing will be held on Friday, Oct. 7 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 S. State Street, Murray. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, Oct. 8 from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM preceded by a viewing from 10:00-11:00 AM at Little Cottonwood 6th Ward Chapel, 6410 S. 725 E., Murray, followed by interment at Lake Hills Cemetery, 10055 S. State, Sandy.
