Donald Hepworth

Donald James Hepworth
1927-2012

Donald James Hepworth, 84, passed away on Wednesday, March 21, 2012, at home surrounded by family after a 22 year battle with cancer. He was born March 27, 1927 in Cheyenne, Wyoming to Selma Hansen and Ezra James Hepworth, the oldest of 5 children. He married Virginia Green in the Salt Lake Temple on June 17, 1947. They raised 6 children while living in Utah and California.
He attended the University of Cheyenne and the University of Utah, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and a Master’s in Science Education. He taught math at Orderville High School, Sandy Junior High, Monticello High School, Bountiful High School, Palo Alto High School, and Centerville Junior High. He also taught evening coursed at Foothill Junior College and continuing education at Stanford University. Early in his career he also taught science, band, and choir.
He was an accomplished musician, playing the clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, and the piano and had a beautiful bass voice. He and his wife vied for the daily crossword puzzle. They also enjoyed traveling and visited church history sites, Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, Disneyworld, the Carribean, the ruins of Mexico, Europe, Israel, and Egypt. They were able to take many of their grandchildren on some of these trips.
He held many callings in the LDS church including bishopric counselor, gospel doctrine teacher, high councilman, and church service missionary. He helped formulate the extraction program and devoted countless hours to genealogy during his life. He was a member of the Sons of Utah Pioneers.
Survived by his wife of 65 years, Virginia; children: Mary Ripley (Bountiful), David (Julie) Hepworth, (Sandy), Alan Hepworth (Centerville), Steven (Maggie) Hepworth (Gridley, CA), Brent Hepworth (Santee, CA), and Ann (Lee) Johnson (Corona, CA); 27 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, brothers Dean Hepworth, Keith (Radele) Hepworth and sister Carol (Greg) Gill. Preceded in death by 1 grandchild, 1 great grandchild, and brother Cloyd.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the LDS church at 160 S. 300 E. in Centerville. Interment to follow at the Centerville City Cemetery.