Don J Strong

Don J Strong, 86, beloved husband, father, 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 a 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. Don started his Law Enforcement career with the Salt Lake City Reserve Corp in 1960. He was then hired by the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office where he worked his way up through the ranks. He was instrumental in starting the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Reserve Corp. Don worked in Patrol, Special Investigations (SID), and Internal Affairs. He loved his job and the officers he worked with. He was Past President of the Footprinters. Don was a graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy in 1973 and was Past President of the Utah Chapter. Don retired from the Sheriff's Office in 1994 as Chief Deputy. After retirement Don worked for American Stores until 1997. He loved his family and spending time with them. He is survived by his loving wife, Diane; son, John (Elaine) Strong; daughters: Wendy Deverall, Sharon (Milo) Trujillo, Lori (Steve) Aikin, Kris (Mark) Humphries, and Stacie Strong Hicks; 9 grandchildren; and 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 So. 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.