Donavon Knutson was surrounded by his loved ones when he passed peacefully from this earth on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at the age of 93.

Don was the eldest of 5 children born to Henry and Evelyn Knutson in the town of Donnybrook, North Dakota. He was unexpectedly brought into the world in the barn on the family’s farm on June 30, 1931. Siblings Tillie, Arnold, Stub and Larry would follow. After the early passing of his grandfather and father Don quit school in third grade to help his family on the farm.

In 1952 he was called to serve in the Army in the 10th Mountain Division in the Korean War. After serving his country, he worked as a seismograph technician then later became a skilled line crew worker in telephone construction. When the traveling crew took him to Tiffin, Ohio he met and married the love of his life, Betty Lang Maloy, in 1964. He happily took on the role of Dad to three children; Susie, Tim and Lisa. Several years later a son, Heath, would be born to complete the family. In 1970, after many years of traveling with K & B Telephone Construction, the family settled in the town of Tulia, Texas. Here Don was employed as lineman for Midplains Rural Telephone where he continued until his retirement in 1996.

Grandpa, as he was called, loved to fish and hunt, passing his passions onto his sons and grandsons. Deer Camp was a yearly tradition, a gathering of family and friends for over 40 years in McBride Canyon at Lake Meredith. Along with hunting, many stories were told around the campfire with plenty of joking and laughing. Grandpa was the ultimate storyteller. He had an excellent memory and included every detail. His laughter and love for life was contagious.

In his spare time Don loved being at the lake for family outings which included waterskiing in his jeans! Snow skiing was also something he enjoyed and continued until the age of 85.

Don persevered through many of life’s hardships with a positive attitude and grateful spirit. He was kind, honest and could fix absolutely anything. His family meant the world to him.

Toward the end of his life, there was much rejoicing when Don readily accepted Jesus as his Savior, and he stated how grateful he was for the good life he lived.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Evelyn Knutson, wife Betty Knutson, brother Arnold Knutson, and daughter Lisa Johnston.

He is survived by his children and spouses; Sue Glenn and husband Bill, Tim Maloy and wife Becky, Heath Knutson and wife Kerrie. Grandchildren and spouses, Brandon Glenn and Kelly, Chad Glenn and Sondra, Chris Johnston and Krystal, Wendy Perry, Erin Maloy, Kevin Johnson, Jadin Knutson and Kate, Bradin Knutson plus 23 great and great-great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to BSA Hospice.

A Graveside Celebration of Life will be Monday, August 19, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Rose Hill Cemetery, Tulia, Texas.