Don Richard Olsen

Don Richard Olsen, 86, of St. George, Utah, died peacefully in his home on April 7, 2024, surrounded by family and loved ones.  He was born in Firth, Idaho on October 7, 1937, to Daniel Foss Olsen and Libbie Elsie Cooper.

Don attended Public School in Moses Lake, Washington. He earned his bachelor’s degree in physics with a minor in mathematics from Brigham Young University. He attended Graduate School at the University of Southern California where he received his master’s degrees in business administration and aerospace operations management.

Don found the love of his life in Carmen Patricia Carson while attending BYU, and they were married in the Salt Lake City Temple for time and eternity on September 11,1957.  Don’s first focus was always on his family which included children, Don Richard Olsen Jr., Patricia (Patti) LaDawn Olsen, and Curtis Carson Olsen.

Don worked first for Boeing International in Seattle, Washington, then for TRW (Northrop Grumman) where he helped design the Minute Man Missile Defense System. Working closely with the United States Air Force, he was first assigned to Norton Air Force Base, San Bernardino, CA then Hill Air Force Base, Layton, UT. Don spent his life in service to his fellow man. He served in many positions in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and was deeply involved in The Boy Scouts of America throughout his life, receiving the Honor of “Silver Beaver” a lifetime scouting award. He was a tenacious servant of his community, especially to widows.

Don is preceded in death by siblings, Lucille Olsen, Eugene Olsen, Lillian Olsen, Ammon Whipple, John Whipple, Nellie Olsen, and Jim Olsen, daughter Patti Olsen Apalos, and granddaughter Kalli Brown.

Don is survived by his wife Carmen Olsen, sons Don (Kris) Olsen Jr. and Curtis (Teresa) Olsen, sister Merilee Olsen King, grand-children Jer Brown, Taylor Olsen, Preston (Haylie) Sanders, Andrew (Brittany) Apalos, Carter (Jamie) Olsen, Sami (Tyler) Larson, Jurnee Olsen, Alexandra Olsen, David Olsen, and great grandchildren Ashton Jo Poulson, Zander and Thea Apalos, and Jet Larson.

The Family would like to thank all who helped Don in his final phase of life, especially his dear nieces Valerie Dunn and Linda Dunn; Sue Weisz (his extraordinary nurse), and everyone at Brighton Home Health and Dixie Hospice.

Family and friends are invited to attend services on Saturday April 20, 2024 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Westridge Chapel, 415 North Westridge Drive. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am and funeral services will begin at 11:00 am. Dedication of the gravesite will be at Ivins City Cemetery following the services.