Donald Paul Staker

Donald Paul Staker, 81, passed through the veil August 7, 2022.  

 

Don was born April 15, 1941 to his loving parents Alma and Mary Atha in Rigby, Idaho.  He always held a deep love for his parents, brothers and his sister.  

 

Don loved Christmas, he often spent hours in quiet reflection staring at the Christmas tree.  He loved history, and learning about people.  He worked hard to earn a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Sociology from the University of Utah, while working full time, attending classes and being the father of four young children.  He loved tumbling around on the floor with his kids, being silly and talking like Donald Duck.  He loved thunder storms, and taking naps.  He could often be found draped across the couch with his headphones on, foot bouncing to the music of The Doors, The Doobie Brothers, or Vivaldi.   

 

Through many health challenges, Don gained great empathy and compassion.  He learned to love and trust his Savior.  Don cared about other people, especially those who were easily over looked.  He found purpose in serving his community as a law enforcement officer for Salt Lake County and Sandy City.  While working at the Utah State prison he befriended many inmates, and when possible invited them to his home, where they enjoyed Sunday dinner with his family.  

 

He is proceeded in death by his Parents; Alma Opal Staker and Mary Atha Proctor, his wife Marilyn Jenkins, his brother Jay, and his daughter Jodi Lynn.  

 

He will be missed by his surviving family: his wife Jan Spencer Staker, his brothers Dick and Alan, his sister Carol, his children Troy, Jill, Neil, Marilee, Joe, Kris and Daniel, as well as his 29 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.  

 

Don’s legacy is well represented by a passage from one of his all-time favorite stories, “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens.

 

“Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, benevolence were all my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!” 

 

A viewing will be held Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at the meeting house of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 275 E 10600 S Sandy, Utah from 9:00 – 10:30 AM. Funeral services will be held in the same location at 11:00AM. 

 

 

You may attend the funeral service online by clicking the link below:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5081906741?pwd=YndHd1NaVnRFb3JkRXpKU3NxUloxdz09

Meeting ID: 508 190 6741
Passcode: cy6LgM

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