Donald Burtis Williams (1942-2020) passed from this life on Sunday October 4th after a long struggle with cancer. He died peacefully at home in Santaquin, Utah, with his loving wife at his side. He is survived by his wife, four children, 11 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

He was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan in December 1942. He grew up with his grandmother and graduated from Portage High School in 1961. He enlisted and served in the United States Air Force from 1961-1965. He attended Brigham Young University and Madison University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in History.

He married the love of his live, Margaret Ellen Kusel in October 1966. He joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and they were sealed in the Salt Lake temple three years later. He was blessed with four children, Jeffery (Jeff) Burtis (1969), Timothy (Tim) Bryan (1971), Dorlena (Dory) Leona (1972), and Damon Augustus (1974).

His vocation spanned many fields of endeavor over the course of his life time. He especially enjoyed LDS gospel topics and wrote 5 books, The Coming Storm & Redemption, Celestial Plural Marriage & Worlds without end, Slavery in Utah, Zion the Pure in Heart, and A Source for Sacrament Talks & Church History.

He served in many callings in the LDS church in his lifetime, was always eager to serve the needs around him, and enjoyed serving in the temple.

His hobbies included his orchard, where he would donate the fruit to local food banks; dinosaurs, and all things related. Driving bus and shuttle services, any/all carpentry, eager to help family and friends with anything they needed.

Thank you to all, including family and Encompass Hospice for their dedication to his care in the last months of his life.

He was an honorable man who lived with religious conviction. He was a hard worker and a loving and devoted husband and father. He leaves a void in the lives of his legacy, those he has left behind. He goes now to see the dinosaurs, all his loved ones who have passed on before him, and will continue in his Heavenly Father’s service.

To view a video montage of his life, please copy and paste the link below into your browser to watch:

https://youtu.be/Dgr946Wo8GM

Services

Family

  • Survived By
  • Margaret Williams, Wife
  • Jeff Williams, Son
  • Tim Williams, Son
  • Dory Erekson, Daughter
  • Damon Williams, Son

Life Story Info

Author

Tim Williams

Post Date

Oct 07, 2020

Personal Info

Born

Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States

Died

Santaquin, Utah, United States

Cause of Death

Cancer

Age

77

Gender

Male

Religion and Beliefs

Latter-day Saint

Military Affiliation

  • Air Force
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Guestbook

Don was at all the grandkids’ celebrations ready to visit. He took the time to show love and support. His efforts were appreciated and love by all who met him.

Rachel Zagrodnik Oct 09, 2020

Timeline