Don Wacaster

Don Rodney Wacaster, 81, passed away peacefully at his home in West Valley City, Utah on January 4, 2026. A devoted husband, father, and servant of the Lord, Don's legacy is one of faith, hard work, and dedication to his community.

Born in Pocatello, Idaho to Earl and Wanda Wacaster, Don's life was marked by a commitment to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served a full-time mission in the Central States (1963-1965) before marrying his wife, Barbara Swearengin, in the Idaho Falls Temple in December 1965.

Shortly after his marriage, Don was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served with honor as a Forward Observer, achieving the rank of Sergeant between 1967 and 1969.

Don's leadership within the Church was extensive. He served as the Tahlequah Branch President, a mission leader, and as 2nd Counselor in the Palestine Branch Presidency. His love for the Temple was evident through his dedicated service in the Idaho Falls, Dallas, and Jordan River Temples.

A graduate of NSU in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Don touched many young lives as an elementary school teacher at Shady Grove. He also spent many years working for the Union Pacific Railroad in both Pocatello and Palestine, Texas until his retirement in 2009.

Following the passing of his wife Barbara, Don found companionship again and married Karan Bowman Wacaster in the Jordan River Temple in November 2011. Together they served in the Salt Lake City South Mission for the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 2013-2014.

 He is survived by Karan; his three daughters, Audra (James) Steele, Annette Tatum, and Angel (Joseph) Wilcock; step- daughter Jenny (Brian) Witzel-Burke and grandson, Alec (Jordan) Witzel; his five cherished grandchildren: Tyler, Cally, Kirk, Jordan, and Emily. He also leaves behind his sister, Bernice Noreen, and brother, Vernon (Juanita) Wacaster.
Don is now reunited with his wife, Barbara; his son, Hyrum; his parents; and his siblings: Wanda, Kathleen, Larae, Floyd, Robert, Dean, and Victor.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026 ~ 10:30 a.m., at the Wheatland Park Ward, 3120 W 4700 So. Viewings will be held, Friday, January 9, 2026, 6-8:00 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road and then Saturday 9:30 - 10:15 a.m. at the Church .

Interment, Cambridge Cemetery in Idaho.