Donald Raymond Hezeltine

Donald Raymond Hezeltine of Weiser went gracefully to heaven on Sunday, January 29. He was surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who loved him dearly. He will be so missed by all who knew and loved him but there is great comfort in knowing that Don no longer has pain and is that he is rejoicing in the presence of his loving Savior!

Don was born on October 15, 1934 to Walter and Elsie Hezeltine in Emmett, Idaho. Don was the youngest of seven children. He spent his childhood on the farm in Emmett where countless adventures took place. Don enjoyed football and track in high school. However, boxing was his first love and Don was awarded the Golden Glove for the State of Idaho. He joined the National Guard in 1952. Don graduated from Emmett High School in 1953 and then attended Life Bible College in Los Angeles. Don returned home to Emmett and married the love of his life, Dorothy Dawson, on August 26, 1956. Dorothy would be Don’s closest friend and devoted wife for the next 60 years. Don graduated from Life Bible College and he and Dorothy moved to Billings, Montana to pastor their first church. While in Billings, Don and Dorothy’s three children, Ron, Denise and Doug were born. In 1967 Don accepted a pastoral position at the Weiser Foursquare Church and Weiser became the Hezeltine’s home. Don served as a pastor in Weiser and Payette. Don also worked as a route salesperson for Scott’s Foods. His vibrant personality and work ethic made him the perfect salesman. Don continued to serve as a pastor until the time of his death.

Don was a passionate, dedicated man. He loved the Lord and he loved people. This passion, dedication and love was obvious whether he was preaching a sermon, telling a favorite story, helping a new found friend (Don knew no strangers), cheering for his children or grandchildren as they ran down the court or hit the ball, supporting his much loved Weiser Wolverines, stirring a batch of caramel, fishing, working in his garden or even playing a game of pinochle. He lived his life with gusto and love. Don always had a smile on his face, a twinkle in his eye, a story on his lips and a way of bringing joy to whomever crossed his path. Don was an inspiration.

Don is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Dorothy; son, Ron (Kathleen) Hezeltine of Meridian; daughter, Denise (Jim) Grindall of Weiser; son, Doug (Renee) Hezeltine of Fruitland. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Laura (Nick) Robinson, Annie (Kyle) Schwab, Molly Hezeltine, Lyndsey (Thad) Bosse, Rob (Kaite) Grindall, Zack (Stephanie) Hezeltine, Hanna Hezeltine, Holli Hezeltine and Aaron Hezeltine and his great grandchildren Talor Robinson, Chloe Robinson, Mya Schwab, Emory Schwab, Bryce Bosse, Chandler Bosse, Sophia Bosse and Laynie Grindall. He is also survived by many much-loved nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his father and mother, Elsie and Walter Hezeltine; his sisters, Joyce Tyree and Phyllis Houtz; his brothers, Alfred Hezeltine, Wade Hezeltine, Jack Hezeltine and Bob Hezeltine.

A viewing will be held from 4-6 p.m. Friday, February 3rd at the Weiser Christian Church, 1299 E. 2nd Street, Weiser. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 4th at Hillcrest Cemetery, 215 E. Indianhead Road, Weiser. A celebration of Don’s life will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the Weiser Christian Church. Condolences may be made to Don’s family at www.shaffer-jensenchapel.com.

The family would like to thank Dr. Drake and the wonderful staff at Weiser Memorial Hospital for the loving care and support.

Memorials can be made in Don’s name to the Weiser Senior Center c/o Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, P.O. Box 730, Payette, Idaho 83661.