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BORN
1930
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
Don Strong Obituary
April 19, 1930 ~ May 6, 2016
Don J Strong, 86, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and "Papa" to many, passed away peacefully May 6, 2016. Don was born to loving parents, Elmer C. and Thelma Ackerman Strong. He was the third of 10 children. Don married Joyce Wilkins on September 4, 1948. Together they had four children: Wendy, Jim, John and Sharon. They were later divorced. Don married Diane Clark Nelson on October 11, 1978. He then became dad to Diane's three daughters: Lori, Kris and Stacie. Their marriage was solemnized in the Jordan River Temple on January 10, 2009. Don started his law enforcement career in 1960 and retired in October 1994 as Chief Deputy of the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office.
Survived by his loving wife, Diane; son and daughters, Wendy Deverall, John (Elaine) Strong, Sharon (Milo) Trujillo, Lori (Steve) Aikin, Kris (Mark) Humphries and Stacie Strong Hicks; 9 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Betty Robinson, Jack (Barbara) Strong, Lynn (Marilyn) Strong, Doris Jack, Bob (Carol) Strong; and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents; son, Jim; brothers, Ted and Dick Strong; and sisters, Carol Strong and Ardelle Brooks.
A special thanks to Don's team from Silverado Hospice: Terra, Tiffany, Jan and Adam.
Funeral Services will be held Friday, May 13, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. in the Millcreek Stake Center, 4220 S. Jeannine Drive (420 E.), with a viewing Thursday evening from 6-9 p.m. and Friday before services from 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery. A very special thank you to the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office for the honor guard and tribute services they are providing. For online condolences and memories, please visit www.jenkins-soffe.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Don Strong
Sponsored by Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary.
Lesa Swaner
June 11, 2016
Don was a super nice man. My brother, sister and I used to play at his house with his children. I'm sad to hear of his passing. May God comfort his family.
May 16, 2016
Diane: I am so sorry for your loss dear heart. I think back often about how wonderful you were to me and my "little kids" when I entered the Nelson family so many years ago. I know how much you loved Don and how hard it will be without him. Hang in there, time will help lessen the pain.
Merleen (Nelson) Pearce
May 16, 2016
I always thought of Don as a teddy bear. He was so loving and was loved by many. Diane, stay strong as I know you will. My condolences to the family. Ruth Ann Smith
Lorraine
May 15, 2016
~The Strong Family...
I am so saddened for your loss...My heart feels for all of you...Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as you travel on a journey, no one asks to take.
*GOD Bless you and your Family, on your journey ahead.
Know that you are not alone...
~Sending hugs and holding
***Papa Strong...Way back when I was a kid...My Brother, met your Son, Jim... They became the Very Best of Friends, all the way up to Jim's passing. He was a Great Friend. We sure have missed him!
You came into our lives...You stood by my whole Family. My Mom just loved you and the advice you gave her, helping to raise us 3 kids by herself...and your Friendship, always being there for my Family, no matter what!
I still have the things that you gave me thru the years.
As I told you many times...You made an impact on my life. I feel so bad that I did not make it to SLC to visit you...as we planned.
I am so Honored and so Blessed to have had You in my life!!!
*Enjoy Your Reunion With Your Loved Ones.*
{{ love & miss you, Jim! xo }}
*nite-nite* ~Love You, Papa Strong... xo
*God Bless and Keep You Safe*
Kris Pettey Richins
May 15, 2016
Prayers are with you and your family. Heaven is singing as a great man is now been called home. He will be missed here on earth. God be with you until you meet again
Kristene Colovich Eller
May 14, 2016
Wendy, Jim, John and Sharon, deepest sympathy to hear of your loss. I remember growing up on the other side of the fence from your family in Murray. Your dad was a great man. Thoughts and prayers to your family.
Eric "Rick" Williams
May 13, 2016
My deepest condolences to the entire Strong Family. I met Don at The Old Mill, late 69-71, my group Wishful Thinking, playing, He was on duty, but not in his uniform. A good guy, was very tolerant of the young people that would be hanging out there. Rest in Peace.
David Wilbur
May 13, 2016
John,
I'm very sorry to hear about your father's passing. I pray you and your family are taking solace in the gospel.
Debbie Barber
May 12, 2016
Diane, Stacie, and family, you all are in my prayers Don was a good man and he will be missed.
Chris Pritchett Rawlins
May 12, 2016
Wendy, Sharon, John, Diane and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I have so many fond memories of him and your family. He spent a lot of time helping our family when we were kids. Such a kind man.
Christine Johnson
May 11, 2016
Diane...
We are sorry for your loss. Don was a wonderful man! We can only thank you both for being our daughter Crystals God parents. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Love,
Chris and Christine Johnson
May 11, 2016
Thanks to Don Strong for starting the Sheriff's Office Reserve Corp. That became a big part of my life for 34 years. I had many wonderful experiences working with Don and the entire Sheriff's Office.
- Don Harsh
May 11, 2016
Don Strong was a great and caring man. He always had time to listen and give advice. Don made an impression on my life and I will never forget him. My heart goes out to all of the family, I am so sorry for your loss. Daniel Griffee
Jerry Brandt
May 11, 2016
I am Blessed to have been able to call Don my friend. We were roommates at the FBI Academy 95th Session. Don made the 3 months away from home mush easier to deal with. We shared many of life's stories, some very deep, mostly funny.
Don't be sad that it is over, be happy that it happened.
Rest in Peace my Bother
Elray Dow
May 11, 2016
Don was a mentor and roll model for me for oh so many years in the SO. Our relationship began with the organizing and bringing into operation the first official Sheriff's Office Reserve Corps.
He was an outstanding public servant.
Diane, Jan & I express our sincere condolences to you and your family.
As we are still in our winter digs we will not be able to attend the funeral but know that our thoughts and hearts are with you.
Rowdy
(thanks? to you Don for that nickname)
Robin Cowell
May 11, 2016
This took me by surprise , and what an awesome friend don was to my family esp on my high school days with Kris, what an awesome couple . And what a great loss . Will miss u tons don . Thank u for yr kindness .
Bob Petersen
May 10, 2016
Don was a great man and someone that I always respected. He will be missed by all that knew him. May you find peace as you mourn your loss.
May 9, 2016
God bless this wonderful man! He was such a kind soul and had so much love to give. My condolences to his family. Until we meet again fine sir. With love~ Jill Petrie and family
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