Donald Lavere Olson

Donald Lavere Olson “One of a Kind” Our beloved father and friend, Donald Lavere Olson died peacefully at his home with his devoted daughters and his family by his side. He was born in Afton, Wyoming March 30, 1921, the son of Charles Afton Olson and Eula “Cecil” Cline-Olson. Donald was the 4th of eight children and was raised on the family ranch in Afton. Donald attended six grades in Osmond and 7th-8th in Afton. Donald worked the ranch with his father and had a special “Bond and Relationship” with Charles Afton Olson. Donald continued to pay tribute to his father throughout his life and cherished the time he spent with his parents and family growing up in Afton. In 1942 Donald received The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) mission call to the Northwestern States of (Oregon, Idaho, Washington, Montana and Wyoming). After the mission call Donald reported to Denver Colorado for his military physical and World War II ended shortly thereafter.

In 1945 Donald returned to the ranch in Afton to help his father and worked many jobs to make ends meet. He was very talented and could do almost any job he wanted. In the early years he worked the following jobs; the Creamery in Afton, Palisades Dam in Idaho, Seed Company in Idaho, Steel construction in Idaho, Farming and ranching in Star Valley, Taggert Construction building roads from Alpine to Jackson Hole, the Saw Mill in Dry Creek and Greys River Wyoming, Forest Service in Greys River Wyoming, Wyoming Fish and Game checking Elk. Donald opened a Café on Main Street in Afton and managed the Café until moving to Utah. In Utah he continued to work many jobs, Ranching, Car Wash operator, Salt Lake Country Club, Salt Lake Stock Yards, Hotel maintenance, Nance Oil Company, State of Utah rehabilitation and finished working at Lynnleigh Farm in Salt Lake at the age of 90 years young. Working at Lynnleigh Farm for over 20 years gave Donald great joy and happiness. He always spoke fondly of everyone at Lynnleigh Farm including their patrons. In 1946 he married Adelia Lindsay in the Idaho Falls Temple. Donald was one of a kind, his hard work, love of the (LDS) church, love of life right to the end and love of family are the great examples and legacy he leaves his children and grandchildren. We will miss Dad quoting of scriptures, singing, poetry, history of the Olson immigration from Sweden to America, growing up in Afton and his carefree unique personality. Donald is survived by 10 children; three sons, Kim (Diann), Lex (Shannon), Layne (Melissa), and seven daughters, Lana (Clarence) Kaae, Cleo (Larry) Eppley, Relia (Larry) Talbot, Lorna Olson, Fonda (Victor) Diaz, Joan (Lee) Makin, Tonia (Michael) Cronin; 25 grandchildren; 68 great-grandchildren; 13 great great-grandchildren; brother, Clyde (Roma), Paul, (Joy);  and numerous nieces and nephews; he is preceded in death by his parents; brother Melvin; sister, Fern, Carol, Joyce; wife, Adelia Lindsay-Olson; son, Franchot L. Olson. Viewing at Schwab Mortuary on Monday December 21, 2020, 6:00 - 8:00pm. Funeral services will be held at the Osmond Church building 3166 WY-241, Afton, WY on Tuesday December 22, 2020 from 10:00am – 12:00 noon. Internment following the ceremony at Afton Cemetery.